I get asked a lot about how to stay calm!! If you are feeling stressed out, anxious or nervous, you aren't alone...we all go through ebbs and flows of being more stressed than usual, but the good news is there are some easy ways to help manage stress naturally. Try the following "how to stay calm" suggestions - they really work!

Stay Calm: 5 Suggestions

1. Get Regular Exercise. When I am thinking of how to stay calm, the first thing that comes to my mind is getting regular exercise. Research confirms what daily exercisers like me have known for years: Working out can help reduce the physical effects of daily stress! This, in turn, leads to a calmer outlook and mood. It doesn't matter if you do a walk, a jog, or some yoga... moving your body is what matters... all will help to release mood-boosting hormones called endorphins that help chase away your worries and promote calm and relaxation. Physical movement takes your mind off problems and also gives your muscles a workout... Plus it it seems to instantly transform a bad mood into a good one. That’s the beauty of exercise - it’s good for you in so many ways! Try adding 10-20 minutes of regular exercise to your daily routine, and see how you feel both immediately and throughout the day, as well as after a week of regular fitness. My 10-minute Yoga Refresh Workout is a good one to start out with - give it a try!




2. Practice Breathing. Breathing exercises are a great way to address your physical and mental state when you feel stressed out and are trying to stay calm. One of my favorite calming breaths can be done by standing or sitting up straight. If you can, close your eyes slightly. Focus your mind on the back of your throat and inhale slowly and deeply. Try to visualize your breath moving down your throat, into your lungs and further down into your belly. Hold for 3 seconds and slowly exhale. Reverse the visualization of the area leaving your belly, your lungs and then your mouth. Make sure your exhale lasts as long as your inhale. Repeat until you feel a sense of equilibrium, balance and calm beginning to return. 




3. Drink tea. I am a big fan of drinking tea. Not only does it give you a chance to relax and unwind, but many teas actually have calming, and other health, benefits! If I make a cup of tea in the morning or afternoon, I choose a green or black tea. Both of these varieties will give you an energy boost since they contain caffeine and also have antioxidants. It has been said that drinking green tea regularly will give your metabolism a boost too!! I love to unwind in the evening with an herbal tea, Ginger Turmeric and  Chamomile are two of my favorites!!




4. Take a Bath. I find that the ritual of taking a bath - running the water, lighting a candle, being by myself - is a calming influence on my mood. Some people only take baths because they find them so soothing and calming! If you are lucky enough to have a tub, give it a try - don't make the water too hot, you want to be able to lay back and relax, even if only for a few minutes. Consider adding some calming essential oils such as lavender, chamomile and rose.




5. Practice Loosening Your Muscles. This can be an effective way to "mentally" relax your muscles and stay calm. Sit or lay down, and then focus your thoughts starting at the top of your head, and mentally relax your brain. Then move down to your face, and relax your facial muscles. Then move down to your neck, your shoulders, and let those muscles "drop" an inch or so. Work your way down your body, mentally letting each area relax and unwind. You should feel looser and less tense afterwards!

I hope you give some of these stay calm tips a try and that they are helpful!

Let's live EVER BETTER™ - together!!
Denise