Today seems to mark the official change in weather for New York. It is now the second full work week of 2016 and work is officially in full swing. Everyone is coming down from the holiday buzz and realizing that all the days off and holiday parties are over.
This may leave some feeling a little under the weather, both literally and metaphorically. Keep in mind that your happiness is the key to success. Maintaining a pleasant disposition will help you both mentally and socially. A smile is contagious and it all starts with finding that peace within.
Here are a few ways to keep the stress of the winter, traffic and work, from ruining this season.
1. Express Yourself
Complaining is not always a bad thing, unless you're doing it all the time. Complaining is a form of self expression and expression is a natural stress reliever. So cry, laugh, scream (just make sure no one is around, or people will think you are crazy) if you have to. Through complaining and talking to someone you can find the solutions to your problems a lot easier than you thought.
2. Don't Hesitate to Meditate
This does not have to be as complicated or as time-consuming as you might believe. Meditation has been around for thousands of years and is a way to clear all of your jumbled thoughts. Focus your attention on centering your mind and the body will follow. Close your eyes and take deep slow breaths inhaling and counting to 5 then exhaling slowly. Some popular forms of meditation include:
- Guided Meditation; Imagining a place that brings you peace or joy, it's all about the sense memory
- Mindfulness Meditation; Be mindful of what you have and where you are, living in the present is where you need to live
3. Soak it Up
Sniff, Sip and Relax. When you're at work try drinking some calming teas like lavender, chamomile or even passionflower which all can relax the muscles and reduce anxiety. At home, try an essential oil diffuser using scents like eucalyptus or bergamot. Eucalyptus has a calming effect on the body and the Bergamot is a citrus scent that will trigger feelings of happiness. At night try taking a warm bath and adding some of our home-made Coco Balms. These will keep your skin soft and smooth but careful for a slippery tub!
Coco Balm
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
- 1/2 Cup Coco Butter
- 10 Drops Essential Oils Try Either Lavender or Eucalyptus
Heat in a pot on low heat and stir till mixed, then pour into an ice cube tray and place into the fridge to cool