Page 24 - June 2023 CW Magazine Proof 3

DIY Stress Relief

By: Bonnie Carleton, BS, CHES, Health Educator

Spend time outside
Studies show that spending as little as 15 minutes in nature can lower your feelings of

stress and anxiety.

Drink green tea
Green tea is the only dietary source of the amino acid L-Theanine. This amino acid
promotes relaxation and lowers stress and anxiety.

Listen to music
Listening to music can have a very relaxing effect on our bodies and minds. Although
slow, classical music has been proven to be highly relaxing, listening to your favorite
music should do the trick too.

Enjoy a hot bubble bath

Fill the bathtub with warm (not too hot!) water. Add your favorite scented soaps or
bath salts and relax for 20-30 minutes. Eucalyptus and lavender scents have been
proven to boost relaxation and relieve stress. Adding Epsom salt into the bath can also
relieve muscle pain and reduce stress.

Get lost in a good book

Studies show that reading for as little as 6 minutes can reduce stress, lower heart rate,
and ease muscle tension. Allow your mind to drift and take a temporary mental
vacation.

Take a deep breath
Put your hand on your stomach and take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose.

Feel with your hand as the breath enters your body. Breathe out through your nose or
mouth, whichever is most comfortable for you. For as many seconds as you are
breathing in, try to exhale the same amount of time.

Write your feelings in a journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to express emotions and reduce stress in your

everyday life. People can write about anything they would like to in their stress-relief
journal. Some people like to write things that they are thankful for each day. Some
people like to use their journal as an outlet for expressing difficult emotions. Some
people write down their hopes and dreams for extra motivation. It is up to you!

Find a creative outlet
Studies show that people who spend time doing creative activities that they enjoy (such as painting,

dancing, or scrapbooking) have lower stress levels. Find an activity that brings you joy, and make
time for it each week.