Chronic stress and anxiety can quickly obliterate quality of life: it feels really lonely to be worried and overwhelmed with no enjoyment in sight. This post focuses on very simple and efficient ways to address that daily so that we can enjoy life again.
Taking Gentle Self-Care
A quick way to reduce stress and anxiety is to come back to the physical body, reminding ourselves that we are not just the sum of our thoughts and concerns.
Taking gentle care of our bodies by pampering and grooming, being aware of our feet on the ground, or even sitting or lying on the ground (known as grounding) are all simple ways to refresh ourselves and ease stress by quickly bringing us back to physical reality.
Reconnecting With Nature
Nature is a wonderful healer and anxiety-reducing partner, giving us an opportunity to look and listen without demanding anything in return.
Nature is always here to inspire, refresh and soothe the soul, calm the mind and expand our perspective, allowing us to slow down, breathe calmly and re-access a state of wonder and receptivity that can be lost to us when we are too stressed.
Eating Comforting Food
I am not talking about eating a whole cheesecake here, which is guaranteed to make us feel even worse! The power of lovingly prepared, wholesome and nutritious food is highly rated when I want to slow down and prioritise stress reduction.
I always notice that nourishing my brain and body well is essential to lessening anxiety in the short and long term. I find miso broth (pictured) especially grounding; it always resets me to goodness. Asking ourselves what our body needs and providing it in a simply attentive way can be very soothing and builds assurance that we can rely on ourselves to take good care.
Understimulating
Because I get highly stressed when there is too much stimulation to cope with, my lifestyle is purposefully understimulating, reducing noise, clutter and overtaxing activities.
I prioritise simplicity, beauty, nourishing interactions, occupations that will support me to thrive, and calming art to look at so that my brain can relax. Ignoring the news for a while immediately helps to ease the mind. I love reading inspiring books and watching documentaries to open horizons and learn. I also enjoy listening to audiobooks while I paint.
Cocooning
Making our living space a sanctuary that feels safe, beautiful and refreshing can have a hugely soothing effect in our life.
It can be as simple or as luxurious as we want to make it. When I am overwhelmed, I have a preference for making an actual cocoon with nature-inspired blankets and enjoying milky tea in my favourite mug with a lovely book. Napping always helps! Feeling secure and rested goes a long way towards reducing stress.
I have come to value slow-living, self-care, soothing art and cocooning comfort beyond everything because it genuinely supports everything I do and everyone I interact with. From a refreshed perspective, I am more able to do what is needed and to be here for what matters most.