Another way to combat stress, anxiety and depression

Another way to combat stress, anxiety and depression. Volunteer work! It is hard to see the value in this when you are looking in from the outside, but I can personally vouch, that this works. Here are the facts;

Getting involved, and staying active in your community is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.

Getting involved gives you a voice and a chance to make a difference. This give you a natural high which can turn a bad day into a good day.

Focusing on local issues, and doing your part to contribute can be a great distraction from your mind.

The benefits can positively impact you, your friends, family, neighbors and your community.

This is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop new friendships. As you do this you are building a support system that can help fight stress and depression.

This can help you learn new skills, and can even become a resume builder.

Doing good increases self confidence, by a natural sense of acomplishment and a purpose.

With the 2016 Elections coming up I would encourage all of you to go out, get involved and vote.

Do something today that will make a difference in your future and the furture of our children. 

How To Avoid Stressful Triggers

Sorry for the late post. This week has been hard on me mentally and physically.

Here are common triggers for those who suffer from anxiety and depression and some ways to help avoid those triggers.

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed?! These are common, every day struggles that can leave you feeling down in the dumps. You can't always avoid stress but you can attempt to limit the amount of overwhelming stress that you are feeling. 

• Let's say that you have several tasks that need to be done in a day, this can be overwhelming. I have noticed that when this happens I don’t know where to begin, which stresses me out even more. Try to break them out. Start with the easy things, it will feel good to check items off of your list, and you will start to feel the weight being lifted as you continue to complete your tasks.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help can feel like admitting defeat, but how will you ever feel better if you do not ask for the help that you need? You may be surprised who is in your corner.
• Know your limits, if there is something that you can't complete by a deadline, let your supervisor, or whomever, know right away. Ask them to prioritize the items that you are working on so that you can focus on what is the most important and go from there.
• Do not be afraid to say no and be assertive when you need to be.

Medical Issues. Personally, we have been through the ringer with medical and health conditions. My husband has a condition that will follow him around for the rest of his life, last month I had surgery and next month my husband will be having surgery, so as you can see medical is a huge stress for us right now. My best advice is to not ignore it. 

• If there is something that you need to do to get your health on track, then do so. Take care of any immediate needs then schedule regular follow ups for the rest. This doesn’t solve the problem but I have noticed that when we take care of the issue head on we feel so much better. 
• Do what you can to remain active and let your endorphin's keep you happy.

Does your job stress you out?! Mine sure does! So, what can you do to help get you through the day? 

• Try not to let the actions of others bother you. This can be challenging but why let them win? Stand tall, be true to yourself and try to forget the rest. 
• When you need to start updating your resume. This alone can provide you with the hope of a better situation and may be just the thing that you need to get you through the day. Sign up for continuing education, maybe you just need a refresher in Microsoft to keep you confident. 
• If all else fails then have a random dance party. I have adopted this method for stress relief after watching 'Grey's Anatomy'. You put on a song and start jumping, dancing and moving around. By song number two you wont want to stop! Again, let your endorphin's make you smile.

  

Money. This one can be very difficult, when bills are piling up, and you are feeling overwhelmed. Having money issues can be the hardest to face head on, especially if you have no idea on how to correct these issues. 

• Take control where you can and try not to stress what is outside of your control. I know, easier said than done. 
• Create a budget and review it weekly, to ensure that you are on track. If you need help budgeting reach out to your local bank, they are usually willing to help go over your financial needs to help prepare you for the future. 
• Check out local community events that are free or cost very little to attend. 
• Use cash where you can, actually seeing the money deplete from your wallet makes it easier to say no to the extras we may be attempted to buy. 
• Pay yourself first. This does not have to be a lot, but allowing yourself an extra $10 a paycheck you feel as if you are allowed to 'spoil' yourself. This can be used for anything, a coffee that you would normally pass up or a new movie to watch, it doesn’t really matter what you decide to spoil yourself with, as long as you remember to do it and not regret it. 
• Don't allow a lack of spending money keep you locked away at home, making it easier for your mind to run. Go to a park for a picnic lunch, or go on a hike and explore something new.

Bath Time

After a long stressful day, or when you feel like you can't catch your breath, remember to take a time out. I have found that the perfect time out is a bath. According to http://www.easy-aromatherapy-recipes.com/bath-salt-recipe.html, here is the best recipe for a stress free bath.

Ingredients

2 cups Epsom Salt OR Dead Sea Salt

1 cup Sea Salt

1/2 cup Baking Soda

6 drops Bergamot essential oil

6 drops Sweet Orange essential oil

3 drops Lavender essential oil

Optional: 6 drops red, 4 drops yellow food coloring

Directions

Mix salt and baking soda together in a bowl using a metal spoon (a wooden spoon will absorb the essential oils and be ruined.)
Drop in the essential oils and food coloring, placing each drop in its own little spot on top of the salts. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
Store mixture in a dark glass or PET plastic jar. Let cure at least 24 hours before using.
Use about one cup of salts per bath. This bath salt recipe makes enough for three baths. Click here for tips on making your bath magical.

Caution: Bergamot and sweet orange can cause photo-sensitivity and sunburn. Do not use before sun exposure

Wondering why? The article notes that "Bergamot and sweet orange are extensively used in aromatherapy for depression because they lift mood and ease tension, stress, anxiety, fear and anger. Lavender soothes and calms the nerves, relieving tension, panic and nervous exhaustion."

Remember to take a time out and enjoy!

Sexy, Spicy and Sweet - Natural Aphrodisiacs

We are huge advocates for sex! Sex is great for many reasons, and has been proven to reduce stress and help with anxiety. So today we thought we would provide you with a list of natural aphrodisiacs to get you in the mood! Some spicy, some sweet but all delicious!

Almonds

Avacados

Celery

Cherries

Chia Tea

Chili Peppers

Chocolate

Cinnamon

Garlic

Honey

Pomegranate

Pumpkin Seeds

Red Wine

Strawberries

 Whipped Cream

Enjoy!