How to Instantly De-Stress

Here's some simple tips & tricks to instantly de-stress:

 

1).  Take a Deep Breath -  Give yourself permission to stop what you're doing.  Turn off the TV.  Turn off the computer.  Put down your phone.  Walk away from the conversation.  Close your eyes & start breathing into your body.  Feel the sensation of your lungs expanding with life-giving oxygen, and how relaxing it feels to breathe out your tension.  Sink into your heart space and allow yourself to be held in this moment.

 

2).  Place Hand on Heart & Say... -  Place one hand on your heart.  Breathe deep.  Repeat the following:  I Am Safe.  Feel free to hug and/or rock yourself too while you say this.  Softly and sweetly whisper to yourself, "I Am Safe". 

 

3). Gratitude -  Energetically, gratitude is love, and love dissolves fear as these polar opposite vibrations cannot share space.  When we are anxious, we are in fear.  Find something beautiful that surrounds you (i.e. a blooming flower, the sweet scent of a soft breeze, a mother displaying love to her child, etc.) and quietly repeat to yourself, "Thank you."  Simply saying "Thank you" over & over will induce a sense of calm in your body.

 

4). I Love You, (your name) - Simply repeat "I love you, <your name>" and feel your body start to unwind and calm down.  The result is similar to #3.  If you generally wake up in a state of fear, try saying this to yourself as you slowly wake up.  I do this daily & highly recommend it, as it's a fantastic way to calm your mind & body anytime.

 

5). Ask Yourself What You Need - In this moment of fear, your priority is to safeguard your energy/health by disconnecting from the trigger.  You have a right to honor yourself by protecting your energy.  Placing a hand on your heart, ask yourself:  "What do I need in this moment?"  And whatever thought, image, or knowingness arises, follow that guidance.  Your intuition will never lead you astray. 

 

6). Affirmations - To overwrite fearful thoughts, we may utilize the repetitive power of affirmations to repattern unhealthy thinking.  Here are some potent ones:

 

-I am a capable person & can handle anything that comes my way.

-I am centered & focused.

-I feel more secure each day.

-I can be serene in any situation.

-I trust myself to deal with any problems that arise during the day.

-I realize that stress is only fear.  I now release all fears.

 

Please Note:  If you are experiencing a full-blown panic attack, the above tips may not suffice.  As someone who had been to the ER for panic attacks, I've found this to be a lifesaver:

 

-Carry a small paper bag with you (like a lunch bag), and place the opening over your nose AND mouth, sealing it with your hands.  Breathe deep for a few minutes.  It will slowly regulate your heart rate and breathing (especially if you're hyperventilating).  I've successfully dispelled numerous panic attacks this way, however, if you feel you need to go to the hospital, then absolutely please do so.

 

Practice these tips when you're feeling anxious and see how empowering it feels to self-soothe and self-regulate!  You have been through so much this past year, and truly deserve to be soft with yourself.  Please give yourself permission to make how you feel in this moment a priority. ❤️