�elax De-Stress After a Long Day

Had a long stressful day at work? You don’t need to go to an exclusive spa to seek solitude. Try one of these ideas to relax both body and mind. Ease your stress-related aches and pains by taking a warm bath or steamy shower. Add aromatherapy essential oils such as lavender, ylang ylang, or sweet orange to your bath for a soothing soak. Pop on Spotify and search for a relaxing playlist to calm your mind (yes, you can actually look up “relax in the tub” and find pre-mixed songs ideal for a soak). Candles and dim lighting can also increase your chill-out vibe. Don’t have a tub? Try a shower bomb … these essential oil tablets hang from the showerhead or rest on the floor and release a soothing mist as the warm water cascades down. Want to sip something? Give herbal tea a go (chamomile will help promote sleep), and skip the wine for now. Many tea companies now offer stress-busting blends ideal for relaxation moments.

Deep breathing and meditation are also beneficial for stress relief. Try this: Breathe in though your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Repeat until you feel a sense of peace. Next-level chill: Master mediation. Sit in a quiet place on the floor and just be still and listen to your breathing. Thoughts will pop up … just let them come and go. Aim for 10 minutes of quiet time alone and increase the length as you see benefits.

Distraction is another great anti-stress tool. If music isn’t working, try getting lost in a good book or a funny movie to take your mind off work or life troubles. Laughing helps release tension and promotes stress-reducing endorphins. Feel like you need a change of scenery? Hop in the car with a friend and go for a drive to regain your sense of place in the world. Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature on a hike in the mountains or along a sandy beach will help give you perspective. And the exercise is guaranteed to help boost your mood. If all else fails, pick up your phone and call a family member or friend. Getting together with a true pal will help you relax, but even just chatting with a family member or an old school buddy will help ease stress. You got this!