Beat Stress Or You’ll Be A Mess
By Sharon M. Devaney
Americans live very stressful lives . We work longer hours than those in Europe and elsewhere. We watch too much mindless TV and distorted news and are not inclined to spend time outside in nature.
These are among the reasons for the stress.
Taking a walk through a park — or just around the block — with no music is a way to combat stress. Just listen to the sounds of nature. Some might find it hard at first but within a week any will become accustomed to it.
Another way to relieve the racing mind is reading a old fashioned hardback book. Just turning the pages is theraputic. A trip to the library or the bookstore is a must.
Lavender sprays or lavender oils in a diffuser is helpful after a long day. Peppermint and eucalyptus is great when weary or experiencing headaches.The oil can also be dabbed on the pulse points.
Tea in the afternoon or evening is also helpful. Chamomile is wonderful for de-stressing and Lavender teas are calming. Echinacea is helping when feeling sick and turmeric is helpful for pain and swelling. The ritual of taking time to sip tea daily is like a meditation.
Sweeten the tea with local honey. This can bought at farmer’s markets, such as Booth’s Corner in Bethel; and health food stores like Martindale’s in Springfield or Mom’s in Bryn Mawr.
Local honey is important as it helps with allergies caused by local plants.
It’s the little moments that combat stress that have been forced out of America. Working and playing 24/7 is not how to live and don’t forget the playing is usually for someone else’s profit.
Ms. Devaney is a licensed health practitioner who specialized in myofacial medical massage.
Beat Stress Or You’ll Be A Mess
