We all want to look and feel our best, but deadlines and errands can take its toll. Fortunately, we can all make little changes in our lives that can help us feel alert, energized, and ready to go. Here are a few natural remedies to help you beat the
blues:
1. Take a BreatherFeeling overwhelmed, tired, and fatigued? Your physical well-being is heavily affected by your thoughts and
emotions. By paying attention to the soreness of your shoulders, the heaviness of your eyelids, or the slump of your
posture, you begin to care for your body’s emotional and physical needs. If you notice that you start to slouch over your desk at the end of the day, take the initiative to sit up straight and gently roll your shoulders back. Healthy
posture can help increase the deepness of your breath, which in turn helps you relax. Simply going outside to stretch and breathe in the fresh air may be just what you need to relieve
stress and clear your mind.
2. Tune Out The power of
music extends beyond the pleasures of a certain tune, beat, or
rhythm. Music can affect your physical and mental state, triggering bold
dance moves or a trip down memory lane. Boost your energy and spirits by creating a playlist with tunes you love! Try taking a music break: turn on your stereo or iTunes playlist and sit or lay comfortably on your couch, chair, or bed. As the
music plays, allow it to wash over you, rinsing away all worries, stress, or tensions. Pay attention to your response to certain tunes and play what you enjoy. You may even want to put on a familiar track such as a childhood favorite or oldies. They may bring back memories that bring a smile to your face and cheer you up.
3. Smile Smiling is contagious and gets others to
smile, instantly lifting the mood of those around you. It also keeps the energy positive and helps reduce tiredness. When you release negative thoughts, you’ll feel lighter, happier, and less tense. Paying attention to what makes you smile and laugh will draw more of them into your experience. You’ll not only feel better about yourself but will draw others to you. So why not smile a little more today? It’s fun, feels great, and is good for your health!
4. Chat it UpEngaging in a conversation, listening to
others, and sharing stories can instantly brighten your mood. Silencing your mind and truly listening to what someone is saying will give you an opportunity to learn something you didn’t know and engage in a meaningful conversation. Talking it through may take your mind off a stressful subject, change your perception about something bothering you, and boost your
mood.
5. Feng Shui Your SpaceBelieve it or not, arranging the space around you in a certain way affects the chi, or energy flow, in and around it.
Feng Shui is the art of achieving a harmonious balance of energy in a given space. Your body is an ever-changing energy system that is affected by, and also affects, the energy surrounding you. Proper feng shui allows for better chi. Based on the bagua
map, certain feng shui areas of your home are connected to specific areas of your life. For example, keeping potted flowers, framed pictures of family or friends, and surrounding yourself with precious things can inspire, motivate, or bring a smile to your face. Keeping your work space organized will also help relieve the clutter that may bring down your energy and productivity. Give your home and body some much needed TLC!
6. Catch Some Zzz’sLet’s face it, most of us don’t get as much
sleep as we’d like. Before Thomas Edison’s electric light in 1879, most people slept an average of 10 hours a night. When we were no longer limited by natural light, our sleep time gradually reduced to 8 hours each night. Nowadays, sleep seems to be more of a luxury than a necessity. But that can change! Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is one of the ways you can improve your energy, focus, and
creativity while you’re awake. Getting continuous sleep, without any interruptions, is just as important as getting enough. Gauge how much sleep you need by going to sleep earlier that usual. Take notice of how energized or tired you feel when you wake up the next morning. This will give you a better idea of how much sleep you need to look, feel, and be your absolute best!
~ Christine Chan
