Stress – Back in the day, when the clock hit 5 P.M. Everyone headed to the local bar for a drink and an unwinding time, that was nicknamed happy hour. But the creation of technology, competition for good jobs, and unyielding schedules make unwinding a weekend event if then. We use our smart devices and check our email at midnight. We type emails and business correspondence from home to save time. One report from mentalhealth.org says that 74 % of adults in the UK have felt unmanageable stress in the past year.We do everything we can to squeeze as much into a week as possible. Everything, except that time we need to relax and unwind.
Lottoland, one of the world’s leading online lottery companies, has clients all over the UK. They can attest to the fact that stress is a global issue. Lottoland believes in supporting the health and well-being of their clients. They have addressed the issue of stress on their blog. There you will read expert advice on how to identify stress and learn how to control it. By controlling stress before it escalates, you strengthen your ability to stop situations from becoming stressors. Read more at Lottoland.
There are methods that help us beat stress. These steps are not difficult but we must do them consciously. You have heard it said a million times to “just breathe”. We associate that with comments like, “It will be okay.” or “This will pass.” but in fact, it is great advice. Physically, your body reacts to stress with a pounding heart, rises in blood pressure, and putting all your senses on high alert. By breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly (while you concentrate on the breathing) your body will naturally calm down. The trick is to exhale longer than you inhaled. When you inhale, count to 10 slowly. When you exhale, count to 12. The number doesn’t matter, but you get the idea.
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Tips For Beating Stress
Natural supplements
We sometimes need help adjusting our brains, body chemicals, and physical needs. This has led to a major problem with people reaching for prescription drugs to calm down. The drugs are usually addictive and very hard to get off of once the addiction has taken hold. Many natural supplements on the market will help your body naturally adjust and restore your overall calmness. Consult your doctor before taking any new product.
- Dress up, show up, and have FUN
We need to move to rid our bodies of toxins, build our strength and muscles and maintain our health. Exercise can be fun! Join a dance class, or another activity you enjoy. Get the right outfits so the fun begins even before you hit the dance floor when you put on a pair of Hip Hop dance pants!
- Adult coloring
Yes, you read that right. Adult coloring is a fantastic trend that is lowering the stress level of many adults across the nation. They make coloring books just for adults in themes that are interesting and beautiful. Creating the colorful pictures and staying in the lines requires concentration. This blocks out all the noise in your brain. So get a coloring book, grab some colored pencils and just color away your stress.
Healthy drinks that will de-stress you
Nature has a way of providing everything we need if we know where to find it. Here are some all-natural teas with some extra stress-relieving additions that will help you relax within minutes.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is an old favorite that has helped people fall asleep for hundreds of years. All you need is 8 ounces of hot water and 3 tablespoons of dried or crushed Chamomile. Let it steep for 5 minutes and drink it just before bedtime. Note: you need to take this on an empty stomach, at least two hours after your last meal of the day.
Lemon Balm Tea
This tea relaxes but does not make you sleepy. It has a minty-lemon flavor. You can take fresh lemon balm leaves with you and enjoy this just about anywhere. You will need 1 tablespoon of dried Lemon Balm leaves for every cup of boiling water. Or 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves. Let it steep. This is perfect for the office. The smell will calm those around you too.
Rose Oil
Rose oil is great for stress and as a bonus, it’s good for your hair and skin too. 1-2 drops of rose oil in 8 ounces of hot tea, juice, or water will do the trick. Keep in mind, Rose oil is a natural laxative, so be careful not to drink too much of it. A single drop or two is all you need. You will soon know if you have pushed the limit.
Bonus drink – Hot Chocolate
Cinnamon Oil, Peppermint, Hot Chocolate
The holidays are not the only time you can enjoy this relaxing favorite. Make a cup of your favorite hot chocolate, add 2 drops of Cinnamon Bark Essential oil and one drop of Peppermint essential oil. You will feel great and relaxed in no time.
Living a stress-free life takes continual effort, but it is worth the effort. Once you learn to control stress, it can no longer control you. Explore these options and find what works best for you. You are worth it.