Knowing how to unwind from the energy around you is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Chronic stress is arguably one of the worst things for your body and if prolonged, can severely impact your health. Stress negatively affects your brain, cardiovascular system, immune system, gut, skin and your reproductive system, leading to a plethora of health issues that no one wants.
The truth is, you can't avoid all stressors, it is a part of life. What you can do is incorporate daily practices into your routine to calm your mind and your nervous system to help counteract the negative affects.
When the heavy energy hits, these are my to-go techniques to wind down, de-stress and come back to a peaceful state:
- Morning meditation: Mediation supports and rebuilds the nervous system. It helps us to process emotions more efficiently, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces anxiety. On the contrary to what most people believe, you don't have to meditate for hours every day, five to 10 minutes each morning will provide you will a sense of calm, peace and balance that will make you wonder why you didn't start practicing meditation sooner.
- Yoga: Yoga supports your flexibility, strength and your central nervous system. It is a mind-body practice that incorporates movement, controlled breathing and meditation that is proven to lower your heart rate and reduce stress. Take a few minutes in the morning or during your lunch break at work to clear your mind and relax your body.
- Go to Nature: Reducing stress, anxiety and anger are some of the best known benefits of being in nature. Nature reduces your blood pressure, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones, specifically cortisol. Try forest bathing, grounding or simply take a walk or hike outside to reap some of these benefits.
- Lean on your breathing techniques: Breathwork can influence your mental, emotional and physical state with its therapeutic effects. You can actually regulate your body's reaction to stress, burnout and fatigue and it only take a couple minutes. One of my favorite is the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for four counts, hold for seven counts and exhale for eight counts. Repeat this four times and feel a sense of calm take over.
Test out these techniques and remember, it is not the stressors that do the damage but it is our reaction to it.
Be well + head over to my instagram @wellnesswith_mi for more tips on stress management.
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