Stress can be a positive or negative force in our lives. It can make dealing with work, home, daily responsibilities and living, well, seem like an uphill battle.
Our body responds to stress in consistent ways, even if the causes are different. Foggy thinking, raised heartbeats, overwhelming feelings and anxiety can plague our day, and prolonged periods of stress can be damaging to the health and demand significant lifestyle changes or professional support. We need not be slaves to our feelings and thinking. In the short-term, there are calming solutions you can try to re-assert control over feelings of panic or tension.
Ola Nwakodo is a Medical Herbalist. See more of her work atsaintandsmith.com
Get yourself worry beads
The Greek call them Komboloi and have been using them for centuries to de-stress. These beautiful strings of beads contain 33, 21 or 17 beads that can be held and played with by passing each bead one by one through your hand either when you're active, or relaxing. This delicate play feels reassuring and calming. Komboloi is traditionally made from the resin of pine trees but you can find a variety to buy – semi-precious stones, wood or synthetic resin.
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Breathe deeply, focus, and chill
Stress can force our breathing to become short and shallow. This is like piling more stress on the body by creating a flustered state. 5-10 minutes of inhalation and exhalation can quiet the mind and body. By taking deep, slow breaths into your abdomen and making the exhalation longer, your focus also changes because you are truly living in the moment – plus your heart rate and blood pressure drop, inducing a calm state. Mindfulness and yoga practices offer various quick breathing techniques easily practiced whenever, anywhere and discreetly. You can start by inhaling to the count of three, and exhaling to the count of three, while resting your hands on your lap, or on your desk if you're at work.
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Take a walk
It sounds obvious, but take your mind off your troubles by literally walking away from an issue. Rather than a knee- jerk reaction or over-reacting, use a 5-10-minute walk to observe the world around you and regroup. This is an active meditation that can activate endorphins and also clear your head.
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Relax with calming teas
Herbal teas are commonly used universally as calming drinks due to their chemical constituents, medicinal properties and abilities to reduce tension and relieve anxiety gently. Consider drinking one or a combination of any of the following herbal teas several times a day as part of de-stressing routine: Chamomile, peppermint, lavender, lime flower, lemon balm, and passionflower.
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Acupressure
Try pressing out worries by placing your thumb in the web between the thumb and index finger on the other hand. Press deeper and keep it there for a few minutes. You’ll soon notice the slowing of heart rate and calm, and focus returning. Repeat intermittently when you need to.
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Stay in the present
In his powerful and acclaimed book, The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle proposes that our attachment to the mind or rather ‘misidentification with our minds’ is the biggest problem we face. His message? Disengage from your chattering thoughts and fluctuating emotions by trying to stay present –and you’ll find that your true self lies behind this. When consumed by erratic thinking and emotions, free yourself by watching and listening to the thinker and your emotions. As you do so, you are consciously creating internal space. The external world becomes somewhat insignificant. Regular practice is important in realigning your thought patterns.
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