5 Ways to Chill Out Throughout the Day

Hi!

Let’s face it, the majority of us are stressed out. Between work, caring for family, trying to keep up with a healthy lifestyle, maintaining relationships, and the state of world affairs, it can be difficult to find a state of calm.

As I’ve gone on my own journey in connecting deeper to spirituality and completing my yoga teacher training, I’ve picked up a few helpful tips along the way. These have worked for me and hopefully they’ll help you, too.

5 things that will help you chill out throughout the day:

• 1 minute deep breathing breaks - set a 60 second timer, close your eyes, and just breathe. It’s so common to take on a shallow breathing pattern and we don’t even realize we’re doing it. Shallow breathing=anxious, Deep breathing=calm

• Midday workout for endorphins - exercise immediately activates neurotransmitters in the brain that help elevate mood, energy and focus while decreasing stress and anxiety. Take that midday walk or Peloton ride

• Reading-for-pleasure breaks - give your brain a break! Stop scrolling social media and instead pick up a book. Reading can actually lower your heart rate and help your body release tension as you give your “thinking mind” a break

• Gaze at colorful sky during sunset - science shows this can boost mood and overall feelings of happiness 🤗 It can even help regulate your sleep and stress as the colors of light at sunset, orange and red, help release melatonin

• Hot soak in bath before bed - immersing your body in hot water has been proven to ease tension and help reduce stress. As your body temperature increases, the muscles relax and blood pressure goes down

These are all free, natural practices that will help your nervous system chill out over time. Choose one or two from the list that resonate with you. Practice them consistently. Make them a daily habit. Extra points if you can put your phone aside during each one.

Have you tried these? What seems to work for you? Drop a comment below or tweet me (X me? 😅). I would love to know how it goes!

Wishing you balance and zen,

Erin