My 5 Essentials for Combatting Stress and Maintaining Balance

This month has been full of changes for me and I'm sure I can speak for most people when I say change can be stressful! At times I've found myself feeling less focused, more tired, and generally a little anxious. Although I'm excited, piling the change on top of everyday stressors has required me to be more diligent about my self care routine to prevent restlessness and stay focused. I understand these type of seasons are inevitable as life ebbs and flows, so I just put in extra effort nurture my mind & body when they come around. While it would be nice to take a break from everything to clear my head that's not always possible. Instead, I create opportunities for restoration by sneaking a few specific things into my existing schedule. Over the past few weeks these five strategies have helped me maintain balance the most:

Getting Outside

Nature as such a healing effect on the body and mind that has been well documented by scientific studies (this is a cool review of existing literature that breaks it down.) Whenever I’m working and feel stuck and so anxious that I can’t focus one of the first things I’ll do is take a nature break. Even when I'm short on time I can still manage this because it really doesn't take much!

During a long work stretch take a 10 minute break to walk the block
Move your work station to closer to the window, crack it open and enjoy some fresh air
Change up your scenery and work remotely from a coffee shop or restaurant with a nice patio
Go for a quick swim, even if it's just 15-30 min.
Buy some new plants and get your hands dirty potting them (or just repot some you already have)
Forgo Netflix for the night and take a walk after dinner
Search the public parks in your area for free outdoor fitness classes

Get Adjusted

I get chiropractic adjustments weekly, twice a month at the least. Regular adjustments keep the brain and body connected through a healthy, balanced nervous system. The nervous system responds to our external environment and our thought life, which is why the "fight or flight" stress response can get kicked in overdrive during times when life is hectic and you've got a lot on your mind. Since some stressors are a fact of modern life (especially as a busy entrepreneur) getting adjusted helps my body stay balanced and adapt to those stressors better. That considered, I don't get adjusted because of anything "wrong" with me, but rather as a means of proactive self care. Many of my practice members in my office report they feel less anxious and respond to stressful situations better while being under consistent care and I have to say I experience the same myself!

Phone a Friend

In todays world it's so easy to forgo a phone call for a quick text, but theres nothing like connecting with someone who cares about you via an old fashioned conversation. Getting objective perspective someone on the "outside" of my situation that who knows me well makes the issues I'm facing way less scary. Not to mention, if self-doubt creeps in on me I can count on my friends to remind me of who I am and what I'm capable of. If nothing else knowing I'm not alone and have a support system listening to and encouraging me helps me keep pushing!

Schedule a phone or Facetime date with your bestie or one of your positive friends
Invite a friend along for any of the above "Get outside" suggestions
If you're short on time invite them along to do something you needed to do anyway like get your nails done or run some errands around town.

Fancy Baths

I personally tend to reserve baths for when the struggle is super real, although you can totally take and benefit from them way more frequently. (I probably should too, I'm working on it!) Being in the water is soothing in itself but adding a few key ingredients to your bath can take it to the next level. My favorite bath includes Ancient Minerals magnesium flakes, Fertile Alchemy aromatic oil, and a few drops of Doterra Frankincense. You can try whatever essential oils you like to promote relaxation including but not limited to Lavender, Cedar wood, and Eucalyptus. (Be sure you're using high quality essential oils and not fragrance oils.) Magnesium absorbs very well into the skin and is essential to numerous bodily functions. In particular when it comes to high stress times it helps soothe aches and calm the nervous system. Essential oils also absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream which is why they have so many healing properties themselves. You can also try adding oats (in a stocking to avoid mess), coconut milk, chlorophyll, baking soda or ginger. (The ginger creates heat making it good for detoxing just be prepared to sweat!) Sometimes I'll burn beeswax candles or light some palo santo to create a more relaxing environment and purify the air.

Take Adaptogens

To start, so we're clear on what exactly adaptogens are here is a definition from my favorite adaptogen source run by a Chinese herbalist, Root and Bones:

"Adaptogens are densely nutritious botanical substances that help the body normalize out-of-balance systems and adapt to environmental, physical and emotional stress. They are called adaptogens because they 'adapt' their function to your body's unique needs. They are used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress."

I take them almost daily in coffee, tea, or smoothies. I love Chaga and Reishi and I haven't tried Cordyceps but it's on my list. They all have slightly different properties and I use Chaga most often. They are considered tonic herbs that can be taken daily with the benefits building over time as you continue to take them. When I have Chaga I notice I feel much more focused and respond to stressors better. My favorite way to incorporate it is adding a teaspoon to a pecan or almond milk latte and a spoon of raw honey. If you're not a coffee person you can try adding it to an herbal elixir like golden milk or hot cacao. Root and Bones actually has some great recipes on their blog if you need some inspiration.

No matter what methods you choose, it's always about what works for you and what your body responds to best. I would encourage you to experiment and see what makes you feel the most energized and restored! If you experiment with any of these methods I'd love any feedback on how it goes!