My Favorite Ways to De-Stress

Best Ways to De-Stress
Hey, Y’all! I hope you’re doing well and staying positive during this difficult time. I’ve been trying to think of topics that could be helpful for y’all as we adjust to the uncertainty and daily new developments with COVID-19. I think we’ve all been a little on edge about this at some point, so I wanted to share the best ways to de-stress during particularly tense times. I hope this list helps to bring you some peace and relaxation as we adjust to this new and hopefully fleeting situation.
Take a hot bath/shower
This is one we do daily but it truly is a small way we can take our time and unwind after a long day. If I’ve had a particularly stressful day, I like to add a few drops of Lavender or Eucalyptus Essential Oil to my shower for a soothing, spa-like experience. Lavender is a naturally calming scent, so it’s perfect for a night shower. Eucalyptus is a fresh scent that helps to clear your mind, so it’s a great way to start the day. Pro tip: You can sprinkle the essential oils on your walls or towards the back of the shower so that the scent doesn’t get washed away too quickly.
Pray & Meditate
I feel like prayer and meditation go hand in hand. They’re both a time to quiet your mind and let in positive thoughts. In my prayer and meditation routine, first I give thanks for what I am appreciative of, then I pray for what is bothering me. Lastly, I meditate to let in positive thoughts. Sometimes this involves me journaling my thoughts and prayers, sometimes it’s me speaking them aloud. This will look different for everyone but I know the power of prayer is real, so I like to give my burdens to God so they are not weighing me down.
Read
There’s nothing better than getting lost in a book and out of your head. Reading has always been a form of escapism for me whenever life got a bit tough and I needed a break. I’d trade my current situation to join Harry Potter and his friends as they broke the rules at Hogwarts while trying to fight Lord Voldermort & the Death Eaters. Even if sorting hats and incantations aren’t your thing, I’m sure you can find a story that entertains you and puts your mind at ease for a few hours.

Set The Mood
By now, y’all should know that my love for candles is real. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I love to light one of my favorite scents to help me stay calm. I’ll also add a few drops of essential oils in my diffuser to really help set the tone in my space. If you don’t have a diffuser, a few sprays of your favorite room spray should also do the trick! There’s something about certain scents that just help me mellow out after a long day.
At-Home Spa Night
I don’t know what it is about face masks but every time I slap one on, I instantly start to relax. I think it’s a signal to my brain that that time is mine to unwind and treat myself to an at-home facial. Bonus points if you have a chilled jade roller to make the experience truly magical. When I have the time, I’ll create an entire at-home spa night, fluffy white robe and facial mist included.
Baking
The methodical act of baking gets me out of my head and into the steps I need to take to create a delicious dessert. I love to put on some music, pour a glass of wine, and get to whipping up something sweet. When baking desserts from scratch, the time and attention you have to put into it make it nearly impossible to think about anything else. Even if you don’t like baking, I think any hobby that involves you making something from scratch would work. I’ve found that it’s like therapy for me, so maybe it could work for you too.
These are the 6 best ways I’ve found to de-stress. I know that this is a particularly stressful time but I want y’all to know that you’re not alone. We’ll come out of this stronger than before. Just keep pushing!
A Few Faves that Help Me Relax
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