Lavender and lemon are two of the most popular oils used for relaxation and stress relief. Check online or talk to an aromatherapy specialist to determine which additional scents or blends might work for you. In an aromatherapeutic massage, the essential oil is placed in “carrier oil”—an unscented or lightly scented oil—that is safe for skin application. As the massage oil is heated through the friction of the massage, the aroma of the essential oil fills the air. Aromatherapy burners can be purchased and placed in any room in the house. Some are plugged into outlets, while others fit around the tops of lamp light bulbs. The heat from the bulb releases the calming essential oil scent into the room. [3] X Research source
Pick a flower and examine it. Look at the shapes and colors of the petals. Smell the fragrance of the flower. Feel the ground under your feet and the wind around your face. Eat a meal mindfully. Smell the aroma of your meal. Look at the steam rising and swirling. Feel the textures of your food and taste the depths of flavor. Shower mindfully. Feel the temperature of the water. Listen to the sounds the water makes as it hits the floor. Inhale the steam and feel the water trickle off your back.
Locate a quiet, private place to meditate. Be sure that you can mediate uninterrupted for a minimum of ten minutes. Absolute silence is not necessary as ambient noises (traffic, people outside, barking dogs) are part of the present moment. Find a comfortable position to rest. This may be sitting or lying down on the floor. Close your eyes or allow your eyes to gaze towards the floor. Pay attention to your breath. Feel your breath fill your lungs as you slowly inhale. Push it out of your diaphragm as you exhale. Try counting your breaths backwards from ten to one. When you’ve reached one, begin at ten again. If thoughts or feelings enter into your mind as you meditate, bring your attention back to your breath. Focusing on your breath will help keep you from getting caught up on any one thought. [7] X Research source
Find a comfortable position in a quiet, private place. Closing your eyes helps you block out your surroundings and focus on creating another space. Take a few deep breaths. Begin to imagine yourself in a relaxing setting. This may be a warm beach, a lush tropical rainforest, or a gently rolling meadow. Begin adding details to your scene. Visualize a path through the meadow or forest. What do the trees look like? Are there clouds in the sky? Can you feel the breeze on your skin? If you really immerse yourself into your scene, you will feel all the tension in your body - especially the shoulders, knees, and neck - start to disappear. Maintain slow breathing. When you are ready to come out of your visualization, slowly begin to listen to the sounds of the room and street. Open your eyes slowly. [8] X Research source Guided visualizations can be done using your own imagination, but you can also turn to audio recordings, a visualization instructor, or a script.
Laughter stimulates many organs. When we laugh we take in more oxygen than usual, and that stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles. Laughing increases positive thoughts, leading to the release of stress and disease-fighting neuropeptides. Laughter itself increases mood and leads to feelings of enhanced interpersonal connection when shared with others. [9] X Research source
For example, when speaking in a meeting, cross your arms across your chest and sit up straight. If you are closing a deal, show that you are engaged by standing, leaning forward, and resting your hands on a table while looking at the client or other individual.
Get yourself organized before you go on an interview or give a speech. Know where you’ve put your resume and be ready to hand it out to the hiring manager.
If you feel your hands shake, try tightening your thigh muscles. This helps redirects energy away from your hands. [16] X Research source
Do some research on your audience so that you know what they would like to hear. For example, find out who you will be interviewing with and what their positions are. [18] X Research source
Don’t fret too much over mistakes that you make. Everyone makes mistakes, especially if they are new to something. If nothing else, these mistakes will be learning opportunities for you. If you don’t get the job, consider the interview a practice run, and try again on another interview.
Check with your health insurance to see what is covered by your health plan.
Blueberries are high in vitamin C—a major stress-fighter. Try them in a smoothie, on top of some granola, or even on their own. Gnawing on some raw almonds may help get some aggression out. They are also a rich source of vitamin B2 and E, which, like vitamin C has been shown to fight free radicals associated both with stress and disease. Asparagus is high in both vitamin B and folic acid. This high-fiber green is great in salads and pastas, and makes a great side dish simply steamed with a squeeze of lemon and dash of salt.
If you have trouble getting to sleep, try taking a warm bath before bed or listening to some calming music.
