SEVEN KEYS TO LESS STRESS

I struggled with stress when I had multiple small children. There were so many demands on my time, everyone needed something from me, and they needed it immediately! I quickly became overwhelmed. I guess I thought I could manage, muddle through, cope with sleepless nights, messy house and still get up every day with a great outfit and a smile. NOT. HAPPENING.

I realised that certain things, and ideals I had would have to go. I put one child in daycare. I had a few hours to myself every week. I stopped commiting to things that would add to my load. I accepted that at this time of my life I was in "crisis mode" and coping with my children without losing my head was THE most important thing. A few keys that helped me cope with this stress, and might help you....
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1. Take stock and journal.
I am a list writer, so, I wrote. I wrote what I loved, hated, could change, couldn't change. I wrote what made me happy. What gave me peace. I soon realised the core issues that bothered me, and the things that I was stressing about. I realised I had stopped doing things for me, just because I was a full-time mum. I saw that I could change the things that were most stressful.

2. Rest. Sleep. Give yourself permission.
I made more time to rest and recouperate. It is a tough gig parenting 24hrs. I started having afternoon power naps. Stop with the guilt and shaming. You are a human, not a robot.

3. Find Quiet. Embrace the beautiful things in nature.
Sometimes it took staying up late to spend time getting my thoughts straight. Sometimes I would wake with the birds for that solace. Sit out in nature. Listen to a waterfall. Allow yourself permission to just breathe. Observe the natural world. Feel the grass beneath your feet. Get some sunshine in! Especially at sunrise and sunset which can assist in boosting serotonin levels- the "happy" helper.

4. Nutrition. 
I realised I was forcing my body to run on coffee and chocolate. Best combination for instant happiness, but not so great long term! Get vitamins and minerals into your system. Add a fruit smoothie to your routine. Add herbs, nuts and seeds.
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5. Explore your creative side. 
I tried those adult colouring pages, craft, cooking, sewing. All helped to distract me from how stressed I was, and helped me feel like I achieved success in my life- however tiny!

6. Music, singing & dancing.
Putting on music and singing away is such a stress release! As they say "Dance like no one is watching." Find some tunes that are healing to you.

​7. Essential oils... (you knew that one was coming, didnt you?!)

Stress Away is one of my favourite blends, and a favourite of most who try this oil. It has a beautiful floral scent, and can bring a calming atomosphere when diffused. 
Stress Away was created to combat the stresses that creep into everyday life. It contains a stress-relieving combination of Lime & Vanilla pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. This vanilla does NOT contain water unlike alot of other Vanilla oils on the market today. It also includes copaiba and lavender to restore equilibrium. Featuring powerful plant constituents, such as the cedrol found in cedarwood, and the eugenol that occurs naturally in vanilla, Stress Away can help encourage relaxation.  
I have put my Stress Away blend into an empty perfume spray bottle, I got from the chemist. I dilute it with distilled water, witch hazel, or carrier oil to have as an everyday natural perfume for my handbag. Balancing and calming all-natural perfume on the go. I love it. If you're not a DIY-er, there is a ready-made roll on Stress Away just for you.
​This oil can elevate your state of mind. Shake well and apply generously on wrists or back of neck as desired.  Take time to send your own stress away today. What do you like to do to relax? What makes you feel most alive?

Stress Away Roll-On Massage Oil