Decompression

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."

-Chinese Proverb

Since 1992, April has been recognized as Stress Awareness month. Though none of us want to have any, stress is one of the annoying symptoms of the human experience. There isn't a way to alleviate stress entirely; however, we can try to manage it as best we can. Everyone will have different ways to relax, but we've put together a list of ideas to get you started on your Path of Relaxation.

1. Get Moving - Exercise is a great way to reduce your stress level. While it doesn't get rid of the stress, it releases endorphins (which elevate your mood) and it reduces the emotional intensity felt by the stressors. Take a walk, go swimming, or try an exercise class - any sort of physical activity will work. For more zen-type physical activities, try stretching, yoga, and tai chi.

2. Connect with Friends - Getting together with friends can often help reduce stress, whether it's from talking through your problems, taking part in group activities, or just an enthusiastic laugh session.

3. Journal - Writing in a journal helps to release stress by physically getting your thoughts onto paper. Once they're out of your head and you've made them external, they begin to get smaller. Journaling can help you process your thoughts in a way that flows without you having time to overthink the issue.

4. Music - Turn on some music and have a solo party. Singing and dancing also help to raise your spirits. We have a ton of themed playlists on our Spotify, but any of your preferred tunes will work, as long as it's generally positive music.

5. Meditation - You don't have to sit for hours to meditate. Even a few minutes of deep breathing will help to lower stress levels. To curtail the monkey mind, don't think anything other than, "Inhale...Exhale...Inhale...Exhale..."

6. Massage - Book a massage or do some self-massage. Massaging your own hands will help reduce tension in many other areas of your body, so start there if possible.

7. Spend Time in Nature - Get outside and do pretty much anything. Walk, hike, take a bike ride - as long as you're outside. Being in the sun and touching the earth lowers your stress level by transferring electrons from the earth to your body. Absorbing electrons is the part that not only reduces stress, but improves sleep quality and lowers inflammation.

   
   

Some of Our Favorites

• Let That Sh*t Go: A Journal for Leaving Your Bullsh*t Behind and Creating a Happy Life for Yourself

• Bath Salts

• Reiki-Infused Room, Linen, and Body Spray

• Himalayan Salt Lamp

• Namaste Stress Reducing Cards

• Bluetooth Sleep Mask

• 1000 Piece Japanese Garden Puzzle

• Adult Coloring Book

Spring is a time of renewal and we wanted to begin the season with a fresh slate. We love hearing from you guys - let us know if you try any of these products and/or if you connect with any of the music we've listed here. If you have any suggestions for how you love to de-stress, send them to us here so we can include your suggestions in our socials. We can all de-stress together this month and start the season off in the best way possible!

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