Table of Contents Breathe, Just Breathe Breathing Pattern: 4-5-7 Technique Using Breath to Enter Meditation Meditate on this Getting Comfortable One-Minute Meditation Cook up some Comfort It's Called Comfort Food for a Reason Work it out Create Something How do you turn stress around? Sometimes, I have no idea how to unwind. I can collapse in front of the TV at the end of the day, but I still don’t feel any better. Is this you? If so, it sounds like we need to make a change. It’s time to prioritize self-care. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are mine.It is my Universe, after all. Breathe, Just Breathe The first thing we need to do is to work on breathing. Focus on the breath and push all of your other thoughts to one side. We need to be conscious of our breath coming in and going out. Here is what I was taught - Breathing Pattern: 4-5-7 Technique Breathe in for four. Hold for five.Breathe out for seven. Using Breath to Enter Meditation For me, the counting is everything or, as I have mentioned before, I go into full Zen-failure mode. Rather than letting the attempt take over my brain, I use those counts to lead me somewhere near the land of meditation. Meditate on this Meditation is another way to quieten the mind. For people like me, it doesn’t come immediately or easily. Getting Comfortable Settling into a comfortable position is a good start. Sitting like a yogi once seen on a poster is not required. One-Minute Meditation Now, let’s close our eyes. Return to a steady breathing pattern. Even meditating for one minute can make a difference. Setting a timer or using an app can help. They can be a guide through the steps and even give a bit of structure. Cook up some Comfort It's Called Comfort Food for a Reason Having a nice hearty meal can be grounding, and it’s also a great way to show a little self-care. Now, goodness knows I am no fixture of the kitchen, and I probably shall not cook a large casserole for everyone, but with that in mind, I have found there are easy-to-make classics out there. This Southern gal needed only to look up how to make chicken fried steak, for example, and I already feel happier. Work it out On the other side of the coin is a great workout. Exercise can be a fantastic stress reliever as it releases endorphins. Taking a walk, in particular, I have found, helps me readjust my focus. Not only is the blood flowing, but I often end up gaining some perspective, which can be invaluable. Create Something Doing something creative is a great way to blow off some steam. Coloring, knitting, and even sewing are some of the ways I let go. Whether that resonates or baking is more your thing, like my girl, something that requires focus and concentration can provide that same meditative calm. Whatever works for you, it is so important to find a way to de-stress. Whether it is from work, family, or other personal reasons, letting go is essential to mental health. How do you turn stress around? ***** Mental HealthHobbiesRelaxation Comments (1) Stacey Mina 2 years ago · 0 Likes I suffer with anxiety quite alot especially when I know something is coming up like a doctors appointment or a flight. I find that meditating is so good for relaxing my butterflies and getting my breathing back to normal.
