Six Ways to Reduce Stress
Stress is the #1 killer in today’s world, affecting our mental, emotional, and physical well being. Its effects on behavior can range from depression, irritability, aggression, and the loss of sense of humor. Viewing health as a balance, an intertwined relationship between the body, mind and spirit, it is easy to see the impact that stress creates in our everyday lives.
1. REMOVE STATIC NOISE
Phones ringing, computers running, TVs & radios playing, car alarms, and even other people’s conversations are all examples of static noise. These noises are stressors that can impede our abilities to think clearly and stay centered. Over time, they can take their toll on our moods and energy.
SOLUTION: Reduce or turn off all radios, TVs, computers, and phone ringers when they are not necessary. Use noise reduction materials such as partitions or curtains to quiet your environment. Take a break every hour or two in a quiet room, or even better, go outside for a walk which will recharge you emotionally and mentally. "Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 16:10
2. IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
Aside from reducing automobile exhaust, taking mass transit, or moving out of the city, there isn’t a lot you can do to change the outside air quality. You can control the inside environment by creating a healthier air quality. Your office or home may be full of toxic chemical ingredients that are found in cleaning supplies, upholstering, carpeting, paint, and adhesives.
SOLUTION: Use natural cleaners, natural fibers, air ionizers, dehumidifiers, and my favorite – adding plants all making a difference in creating a healthier indoor environment. Plants raise the amount of oxygen in the air and reduce stuffiness; they also help absorb pollutants in the air. "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4
3. INCREASE OUTDOOR DAYTIME ACTIVITIES
Natural light elevates the mood, increases vitamin D, and helps us maintain a regular internal body “clock”. Especially during the fall and winter, we experience a substantial decrease in natural daylight.
SOLUTION: If you are working indoors, try working next to a window and allow as much sunlight as possible into your space. If you work in an office without windows, try buying a natural sunlight lamp, to provide a natural sunlight spectrum. Spend time outside as much as possible; it will assist you to be more present in your daily life and stay connected with nature. "Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;" Ecclesiastes 11:7
4. LOSE THE CLUTTER
Rid yourself of the clutter that surrounds you. Improve your time management skills so that you can prioritize what is important and what is not. If you are not immediately working on an item, move it out of the line of sight. Your environment will become more visually pleasing and relaxing and you will avoid the stress of constantly searching for important items amidst a pile of “stuff”.
SOLUTION: Keeping your environment clean, simple and pleasant can have a direct benefit on the clarity of your mind and the health of your body. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Corinthians 14:40
5. MAKE YOUR HOME AND WORK SPACE WORK FOR YOU
Applying good ergonomic techniques in your home and workplace will reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury, eye strain, back pain and other symptoms. Pay particular attention to your posture and body mechanics when you are driving, sitting and standing. Proper body mechanics will save your pain in your wrists, elbows, back, neck, shoulders and eyes.
6. CREATE A REBALANCING RETREAT
Create a retreat at work and home to rebalance and reenergize yourself, both mentally and emotionally. Not having the time or space for this rebalancing is not an excuse. It can be a private room or your favorite chair or desk. Include items such as plants, books, relaxing music, and pictures to create an environment of peace. Write out some calming and encouraging scripture so you can easily read over them. Some of my favorite ones are:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 15:58
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Stress is unavoidable but it can be manageable. There are essential oils that can also do a wonderful job in helping to alleviate stress. There are many different kinds of stress and there a variety of stress reducing essential oils:
Antidepressant: Basil, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, lavender, lemon, patchouli, peppermint, sandalwood, rosemary, thyme and ylang-ylang.
Anxiety: Bergamot, cedar, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, lavender, lemon, rose, sandalwood, vetiver and ylang-ylang.
Chemical Stress (Food, coffee, smoke, pollution, etc): Clary sage, grapefruit, geranium, lemon, lavender, rosemary.
Emotion Stress: Bergamot, geranium, rose, sandalwood, vetiver.
Mental Stress: Basil, bergamont, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, sandalwood.
Physical Stress: Bergamont, chamomile, geranium, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, thyme.
Aromatherapy nebulizing diffusers are also very useful for immune stimulation, respiratory and sinus complaints, mood enhancement and environmental cleansing. I recently purchased my first nebulizing diffuser and it is unlike any other diffuser. It saturates the air with the oil within minutes. It doesn’t use heat or water so the essential oil diffused is completely pure.