This week has been challenging, y’all! I started off the week by locking my key in my truck. Yay me! The rest of the week did not go much smoother. I’ll spare you the details! I’m ready for a relaxing, stress-free weekend. How about y’all? I thought I’d share some ways to de-stress and a little (very small) tutorial on making a scented rice bag. It can be used hot or cold to help relieve aches and pains – like a stress headache! Hopefully some of these will help you have a nice, recuperative weekend and let go of some of the work week stress. Now, let’s all just relax for a moment…ahhh!
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The dog pics in this post are of my dog Hefy-Lou. She loves good belly rubs and they make her smile! This always makes me smile too, so I thought I’d share some of her more candid moments. : ) Smiling is the first step to letting go of stress, so take a cue from Hefy-Lou and smile!
Leave Work at Work
That can be hard to do, especially if you had a really trying day! When I worked full-time away from home, I had to cross a bridge everyday. As a headed home, I would start thinking about home and try to leave all thoughts of work on the other side of the bridge. It was just a visual reminder everyday to leave work issues at work.
This is a little tougher now, since I do most of my work from home! I have to remind myself to be present when I’m spending time with loved ones. Plus, I really love what I’m doing now, so it doesn’t always feel like work!
I’m sure your work life takes enough of your time, so don’t let it intrude on the time reserved for you and your loved ones. Check out this article at Lifehack for more ways to leave work where it belongs. You’ll be happier for it!
Just Laugh!
I hate to be a cliché, but laughter really is the best medicine! Laughing can immediately relax you and put you in a better mood. Just check out this article at HelpGuide.org for all the benefits of laughter.
If you need some help getting started, check out Awkward Family Photos or Google “babies laughing”. Watching a baby laugh is sure to bring a smile to your face and maybe even bring on a laugh session!
We all need more big belly laughs that make your sides hurt and tears stream down your face. Although Hefy-Lou looks un-amused by the plate on her head, it’s making me smile! That was my son’s idea – by the way!
Take a Walk
Walking is a great way to move your mind away from stress. Take in the fresh air and really look at your surroundings. It also helps release endorphins, the best all natural “happy juice” you can find!
You don’t have to walk at a fast pace to reap the benefits either. Just check out this article from Prevention to learn more about the benefits of walking.
Just being outside in the sunshine can make your day brighter – pun intended! : )
Get a Hobby
I have (probably) too many hobbies! What can I say, I like learning new things and making stuff! One of the most relaxing hobbies I have is crochet. It’s a repetitive motion that often involves counting. (I can also do it while I binge watch Netflix in my pajamas – tee hee!) In the end , I have something I can use or give as a gift. See, Hefy-Lou loves her new hat! Haha!
There are so many options for hobbies out there! You get to learn something new and possibly make some friends while doing it. Our kids have all sorts of after school activities to participate in. Don’t you think adults should too? Positively Present has a great article on 7 Benefits of Having a Hobby if you’re still not convinced.
Now, go find a hobby, but don’t stress about it! : )
Stretch it Out
I don’t know of any kind of work that doesn’t leave you with tired achy muscles of some kind. All those tense muscles hold stress and can make you feel miserable. Yoga is a wonderful way to de-stress – even for dogs. Hefy-Lou is doing her cobra pose and hoping for a walk!
Long days bent over a computer (or crafting!) can leave you with tense shoulders and stiff joints. These yoga poses for crafters over at Lion Brand Yarns sure do help out! You can also check out this “deskercise” routine at Healthline to help out during the work week.
Just Google “yoga for stress relief” for more!
Good Smells
My dad was a truck driver for as long as I can remember. Every time I smell diesel fuel, I think of him and smile. Just the smell of coffee makes me perk up a little and reminds me of my Memaw Teadoddle. {Of course if I don’t get to drink some soon after, there are consequences!}
Scents affect us even when we aren’t aware of them. You can definitely help improve your mood with the right scent, and essential oils are perfect for this. These are some of my favorite combinations:
- Eucalyptus & peppermint ~ great to relieve sinus issues
- Lemon & lavender ~ calming and soothing
- Citrus scents ~ energizing
Check out this article at Redefined Mom for 57 essential oil combinations! There are 7 just for stress relief! Everyone’s different, so you have to find what works for you.
Try making a scented rice bag with your favorite blend. These can be used like a heating pad or like an ice pack.
- Cut two 7″ x 10″ pieces of fabric. Put them together with right sides facing.
- Stitch all the sides with about a 1/2″ seam, being sure to leave about a 2″ opening. Clip corners.
- Turn it right side out.
- Mix 2 – 2 1/2 cups uncooked rice with essential oil blend of your choice. Use a funnel to add it to the bag.
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Stitch the opening closed with needle and thread. Done!
Heat it in the microwave for a 1 minute at a time. You may need more or less depending on your heat tolerance. Use it like you would use a heating pad.
You can also leave one in the freezer to use like an ice pack. I like to keep it in a Ziploc bag so it doesn’t absorb odors from the freezer. This one has about 10 drops of peppermint and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil, which is perfect for sinus headaches!
Spread the Love
We’re all just humans floating around on this big earth. Most of us are doing the best we can to just make it through the day. If you see someone struggling and you can lend a hand – do it! Even if you just open the door for someone it can help put a positive spin on your day. Sometimes when I get frustrated at some unknown person for doing something that totally inconveniences me, I stop and think for a moment –
Have I ever been this person to someone else?
That’s usually enough to get me to simmer down and see if maybe they are struggling more than me. Maybe they have something bigger on their mind. Or maybe their day was harder than mine. Maybe they need some understanding. Of course, maybe they’re just being a jerk, but that doesn’t mean I have to be one too!
The best thing I do at the end of any day is hug my husband. His hugs are the best and just thinking about hugging him can make me feel better sometimes! If you have small kids, those hugs are the best too. Sometimes a hug is all that someone needs. <3
Now, y’all go have a life lived and just remember to relax for a moment! : )
