3 Quickies to De-Stress

First, get your head out of the gutter. These are 3 clean quick ways to de-stress. No seriously, finding the time to de-stress, may seems like a daunting task. Often we try to find pockets of time to incorporate physical activity into our day, but fall short. We plan to walk, go to the gym, and exercise, with good intention but at the end of our day, sometimes we can’t muster the energy or extra time to do it. Here are a 3 quick de-stress tips, that can be done in 30 seconds or less. Upon trying these techniques, you will give your mind and body the boost that it needs and a well deserved break from constant thought and activity. Your mind and body will thank you.

Deeply inhale your favorite fragrance, hopefully your favorite fragrance isn’t something like bleach or ammonia, I am picturing scents like an oil, baby lotion, citrus, flowers, or vanilla. Inhale the tantalizing aroma and stay with it, enjoying the scent as it enters your nasal cavity and stimulates your brainstem.

Think of a funny event and try to remember every detail of the event, including who was present, what were people wearing, what season was it, what noises do you recall, visualize how you and others laughed, recalling the pitch, rate of speech, volume, etc. Recall as many pleasant and happy details as you can about the event. Tickle your own fancy with laughter, it’s good for the soul!

Stand and stretch, stretch it all! Fingers, hands, arms, torso, legs and toes. Stretch until you can’t stretch no more! You can even grunt when you stretch, make any sound you choose that represents a feel good moment.

You can try all three, two, or just pick one and repeat. It doesn’t matter what you choose or the order you choose to try them, but give it a whirl and then create your own. Have a toolbox of 30 second or less activities to choose from so when you need it, you have plenty of ideas to choose from. As alway, be intentional about your self-care, today.

Lisa Sutton, LCSW-C