It's easy to let anxiety get the best of us these days, am I right? Thankfully, there are simple things we can do that can help keep our anxiety levels in check through natural means.
1) 4-7-8 Breathing
To use this technique, start by emptying your lungs of air, then breathe in quietly through the nose for four seconds. Proceed by holding your breath for about seven seconds, and then exhale through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a wooshing sound for eight seconds. You may repeat this process up to four times in a row as you feel the stress subside.
2) Acupressure (like Blisslets!)
Acupressure on the P6 point below the wrist is well-known to relieve nausea, but did you know that scientific studies have also shown it to be effective against anxiety? A study published in the journal Military Health, found that, compared to a control group given a placebo treatment, "the mean anxiety score in the P6 group decreased significantly," and that "It is recommended that this simple and cost-effective intervention be used to relieve soldiers' anxiety in stressful situations." The soldiers in the study applied the acupressure three times, for ten minutes at a time, at thirty minute intervals. You can apply the pressure with your own hand, or simply put on your Blisslets!
3) Try the Seven Minute Workout
Exercise is well-known to have very strong anti-anxiety powers, but it's so hard to find the time and motivation to do it, and so easy to find excuses. Thankfully, if your goal is general health rather than aiming for a six-pack, this seven minute workout, originally published by the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal, "fulfills the latest mandates for high-intensity effort" according to the New York Times.
4) Aromatheraphy
Fragrant essential oils can help you relax and also get better sleep, which is also key for reduced anxiety. For this purpose, the oils recommended are bergamot, lavender, clary sage, grapefruit and ylang ylang.
5) Sleep
Lack of sleep is a big contributor to anxiety. To improve sleep, try avoiding screens during the evening, setting a bedtime alarm to keep your sleep regular, and keeping a notepad by your bedside to write down your worries before bed, which helps clear your mind. (And don't forget that Blisslets can help with sleep too!)
We hope these tips will help you have a fun, safe, and anxiety-free summer!