Stress- Kills don't be a Victim..

Article By: Empress Lisa Artist
Edited by: Anaiyah 

Life is a beautiful, extraordinary experience but we all have times when we feel down and need to be reassured. The key is knowing that there are many ways to stay strong and take good care of ourselves in moments of adversity.  I have heard that the Creator never gives us more than we can bear…and it is true! We just have to remember to give ourselves permission to laugh, to be patient with life and to express how we feel in positive ways.

Believe it or not, nature is a great way to unplug from the daily stresses of life, oh the wonders of taking a nice long walk!  Getting outside in the sunshine, feeling the warmth on your skin, breathing in and out deeply are great ways to literally blow some stress away.  Or go outside in the evening when the sun is setting to give your eyes a visual treat!

Enjoy a your favorite latte..

Aromatherapy is a also a great way to relieve stress, as it heightens the senses and helps to promote a sense of well being. Lavender oil is one of my favorite essential oils because it is great for calming the nerves.  I like to make my own spray using a few drops of lavender oil added to water in a spray bottle. There are very many oils to choose from and most are derived from flowers or herbs, and they can be purchased at most health food stores. Always consult with your health care provider before using aromatherapy, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Another, often overlooked way of relieving stress is laughing! Yes, laughing! It truly is the best medicine…Not only does laughing help to strengthen the immune system, it increases blood flow to the heart, it relieves stress, eases pain, and it  releases endorphins in the brain which is why we usually feel so happy after a good belly laugh! So watch that hilarious movie, listen to your girlfriend tell that funny story, share a joke with the kids, it’s even okay to laugh at yourself sometimes…Life is not meant to be taken seriously all the time, even though we tend to act like it is. 

Last but certainly not least is to open up to someone who will listen, really listen to what you have to say. We all need to be heard, to feel validated for what we may be feeling, be it good or bad. It’s so important to have someone who will be there for you no matter what. Communicating our feelings, our frustrations, dreams, and aspirations to a trusted friend may be just what we need to get through a difficult moment.

Have sushi w/ your girlfriends..  

Pick up the phone and call your girl, or even better grab the car keys and go for a visit to see her in person! And remember, the sun is still there even in the midst of the rain, when the clouds clear it’s right there shining down on you.