Being stressed out is not uncommon. In the world we live in, there is something always going on, and most of the time it is uncontrollable. Work, children, school, there are endless stressors that factor into our lives and can really begin to overwhelm us. In this blog post you will find ways to reduce your stress levels anywhere you are, even if you are trapped in your office.

First, take the time to write down whatever is bothering you. Let it out on a piece of paper so it is not bouncing around in your head causing migraines. We have to learn to accept the stressor, and not try to avoid it. It will still be there even if you try to forget about it. So write it down, acknowledge it, and accept it.

The next step is breathing. Sounds easy because we do it all day every day, but there is a style of breathing that benefits us more than just keeping us alive. Most of us take shallow breaths, but here you want to breath deeply and slowly. Expand your stomach and chest when inhaling, and then slowly exhale. Even go outside and get fresh air. Begin to count your breaths, and let your mind wander away from whatever it is that is bothering you. Deep breaths help lower your blood pressure, and relaxes your stress alarm system.

If you are at home, take a warm compress and wrap it around your forehead or shoulders. Close your eyes and breath. Maybe put on some of your favorite songs, or light candles if it helps. Studies show that aromatherapy can be a great way to relieve stress. Lavender scent has been consistently shown to help ease tension.

Another technique to lower stress levels is to exercise. You do not have to run, even walking or yoga will help lower stress levels. Studies show this helps ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain release feel-good chemicals and by giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress. A short walk around the block will help, even stretching – anything to get your body moving.

What was once underrated and seen as a monk tradition, yoga has become a very popular form of exercise in the United States. If incorporated into our everyday lives, yoga can be extremely beneficial. The main purpose of yoga is to connect the mind and body, creating harmony among them. It is a never-ending practice no matter how good at it you may be. Our bodies have the great ability to heal themselves, and yoga can be part of this process.

There are over one hundred different types of yoga, but most are focused on meditation and breathing. Our breaths are supposed to connect our minds to our bodies and bring awareness and enlightenment. Some benefits of yoga are:

• increased flexibility

• increased muscle strength and tone

• maintenance of a balanced metabolism

• weight reduction

• improved respiration, vitality, and energy

• cardio and circulatory health

• protection from injury

As you can see, there are countless ways that we can benefit from yoga. These are just the physical benefits; one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress. Stress has devastating effects on our bodies and minds, and is very unhealthy. Incorporating meditation and breathing into one’s life helps a person increase the ability to cope with stress, creates a more positive outlook on life, and improves the mental well-being. When practiced regularly, yoga creates mental clarity and calmness, relaxes the mind, even sharpens concentration. It is a great way to get in tune with your body and your inner self.

“Yoga takes you into the present moment, the only place where life exists.”

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog! My name is Kelly O’Donnell and and I am a junior at Plymouth State University. My blog is primarily about holistic health and all the natural ways you can easily enhance your mind and body using natural home remedies. The reason I chose this topic is because it has always been an interest of mine. For years, I would search the internet for natural remedies for anything between curing acne to lowering stress levels. It is something I have a passion for and never get tired of reading about. So I wanted to share it with all of you, and I thought a blog would be the perfect way to do so.

I think holistic health is very unique and special because not many people know or care for it. In our western society, we are all focused on how we can get something done as fast as possible. For example, when we are stressed out and have headaches, we take pills like Advil or Ibuprofen to quickly get rid of the pain. There are negative long-term effects of this, and if we took the time to practice natural and healthy ways to take care of ourselves instead of rushing to the fix, we would all be better off – mentally and physically. Thank you for visiting my blog, and I hope you find everything you are looking for and more.