How To Create A Soothing Environment To Help with Stress
Your day is jammed from morning till night.
You arrive home frazzled, wondering if you put out all the fires, or if you have everything ready for the next day.
Your body is calling for rest, but your brain is still reeling from the day. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s talk stress relief. To help fight the harmful effects of stress, start by creating a soothing environment to help you get grounded and relax after a busy day.
If you’re not in stress overload now, you can be prepared ahead of time for challenging days.
Stress related illnesses are the top reason why people seek medical attention today!
Here are the best techniques I use to create a soothing environment to help with stress.
Creating a Sanctuary
What is a sanctuary? Sanctuary is literally defined as a place of refuge or safety.
We all need a sanctuary from stress where we can be ourselves, and where we are safe and nurtured.
When we were little, hopefully our parents did this for us. As an adult, you can do it for yourself.
You can create your sanctuary in a bedroom or bathroom. You can even create a nice space in a room corner or outside if you have a weather protected area.
De-clutter and decorate.
Minimalists tend to have less stress. For your sanctuary, create a clean space that is comfortable. Use pillows or a favorite chair to sit on.
Add the colors you like to accent your space. Include your favorite artwork, crystals or family pictures.
Your space should have a sacred feel to it, so keep it minimal. Only decorate with items that bring you peace or are meaningful for you.
Develop healthy rituals to follow in your sanctuary.
You can use simple rituals to ease the transition from work to rest, and become more stress-free.
Set the mood.
Turn on some soothing music. The right music can completely change your day and mood.
Turn down the lights to encourage your body’s natural melatonin production for better sleep.
Light some non-toxic candles. Use candles blended with beeswax or coconut oil instead of synthetic ingredients and fragrances.
Take a moment to take in your sanctuary. It’s time to decompress.
Have a cup of relaxing herbal tea.
As an herbalist, the first thing I do start my downtime is enjoy a cup of tea to help reset my brain and calm stress. Chamomile or mint teas work well for stress.
Add a dropper full of Calm Mind Daily Tonic to any tea for extra benefits. See my Herbal Tea recipes for more suggestions.
Use aromatherapy.
Add a few drops of 100% pure essential oils like lavender, frankincense or ylang ylang to a diffuser.
Essential oils have documented, relaxing activity for people who are convalescing from illness or who are under stress.
Take in the aroma of your choice and notice its effects. Some oils can actually make you feel happier and help you sleep.
If your sanctuary is in your bathroom, create your own relaxation spa.
Take a hot bath or shower to de-stress. Use natural personal care products, which you leave refreshed and clean without toxic chemicals.
Splurge and use your special towels. You deserve pampering after a tough day.
Get artistic and manifest your dreams.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle, and avoid your goals for the future. Create a Manifestation Board to focus on your heart’s dreams.
Start with poster board or construction paper. Glue on power words you’d like to manifest (like abundance or health). Add images of places you’d like to travel to or other dreams you’d like to manifest.
You can use anything at your disposal: books, magazines, newspaper, flyers. Get creative and add texture items like ribbon or yarn. Keep the focus positive.
Journal.
Some days you may need to use your sanctuary to process tough feelings. Accept where you are at with a challenge in your life. Journal about it to process and move to the other side.
Invite a trusted friend into your space if you need support. Group energy can be very healing during emotional times.
If you’re dealing with a loss, use your sanctuary to soothe and calm you while you work through the events.
Nurture your spirit.
Practice prayer, meditation, or the spiritual therapy of your preference. Some people create an altar with sacred objects.
I like to listen to guided meditations or practice positive affirmations. A few examples of affirmations I like:
Allow spirit to flow through you whatever your spiritual practice is. Remember that your very existence is a miracle!
De-Stress Anytime, Anyplace
You can use natural therapies to de-stress anytime and anyplace. You can even use the themes from your sanctuary to help you when you’re not at home.
Place positive affirmations in your office. Try an aromatherapy car diffuser. Choose a cup of relaxing tea instead of coffee if you’re feeling stressed.
You can take some time on your breaks to think about additions for your Manifestation Board.
It’s wondrous how much of a difference these small changes can make in your happiness and stress levels.
Talk and share with your friends what works for you, and get everyone on board!
References:
Rodriguez, H. (2017). 7 Daily ways to reduce your stress and support your health, naturally.
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