Got Stress? Tips to Balance Mind and Body

 It's so easy to feel overwhelmed.  It's complicated balancing work, home, kids, finances and _________.  I'm sure you have a few more words to fill in the "what gets me stressed" blank.

Here are a few simple tips to help you manage the stress roller coaster.

Eating and Drinking Good Foods  This one is hard for me, when I get busy I have less time to prepare nutritious meals which ends up leaving me tired, grumpy and more stressed. I recommend Malia Dell's cookbook- Food That Works.  Malia is all about eating healthy, not wasting food and being efficient.

One tip that has helped me is to set aside some kitchen prep time, especially with my salad ingredients.  I eat salad for lunch everyday and instead of daily chopping, I just reach in the fridge for my pre chopped veggies and toss into my lunch container.  It's also important to hydrate, so pack a couple of containers of infused water or herb teas.  The beauty of infused water is.... yep- beauty and that means you want to drink them.  I am warning you though- your co-workers will be jealous especially if you pack your waters in mason or glass jars.  Check out this website  http://www.infusedwaters.com/.  Amy wants to trick her tastebuds into drinking as much water as possible and she has recipes and inspiration to help you do the same.

Manage Your Workload and Take Breaks 

These two tips go together.  Sometimes you just have to say "NO".  It's not always easy but when you have more than you can actually manage, frankly you're set up to fail and that brings on the stress.  When you're involved in a complicated, time sucking project- take some breaks.  My favorite strategy is to set a timer and give myself 15-30 minutes off before I head back.  Often I find I have more energy than if I'd struggled and persevered. 

Get Outside

Make time in your day for nature.
 

Nature is free, everywhere and is meant to be enjoyed.  It doesn't mean you need to get more stressed by planning elaborate trips- take a walk, dig in the garden or simply sit on a park bench.

Harness the Power of Flowers

Have you tried aromatherapy?  

Aromatherapy has been practiced around the world for thousands of years.  It really is the power of smells.  I've found that when I use aromatherapy mindfully and purposefully I can actually help alter negative thought patterns.  Plus it's fun- and a sweet and simple way to give yourself some love.  Our Botanical Essence Oils are designed to bring you stress relief.

Compliment Yourself and Others Everyday

It can be hard to be positive about ourselves but we deserve the best.  Try to say or think something positive to yourself every single day.  This link has a lot of great positive quotes.  Pick one for the week and post on your bathroom mirror- it will make brushing your teeth a lot more fun.  My favorite is "Don't let your mind bully your body."by June Tamoso Wood.  I know I'm guilty of that!