Breathe in, breathe out.
While effective for some people, others find that simple breathing techniques aren’t quite enough to slip into the state of worry-free bliss they long for.
If you’re one of these people, what you need is a set of stress relieving rituals that can see you kiss your worries goodbye and help you to enjoy a happier state of mind. Discover the rituals you should be practicing…
#1: Be kind to your body
If you’re stressed about things like wearing a bikini, or baring your legs in summer, there are effective ways to ease your mind into feeling more relaxed about it. If you’re not willing to take part in a running group or a juice cleanse (which are great for your mind and body) then you should choose to pamper your body with products that contain stress-relieving ingredients, such as lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang. We love Aveeno Active Naturals Stress Relief Moisturising Lotion as it contains all of these ingredients, plus skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal.
#2: Make the most of your shower
If you’ve only got five minutes under the water, make sure you choose to use products that will get you in the right frame of mind for the day. For a perfect, stress-relieving ritual, we recommend starting with Romy Eucalpytus & Lemongrass Shampoo and Conditioner to naturally cleanse your hair and invigorate your senses and finishing with GAIA Bodycare Lavender and Frankincense Body Wash, as the added ginkgo biloba and ginseng will help to revitalise your mind and see you ready to start the day.
#3: Calm your skin
Stress can be a trigger for skin irritations as well as anxiety. Be sure to prep your skin for the day ahead with soothing products that are designed to pamper and protect, such as Natural Instinct Clarifying Toner, which contains witch hazel, fragrant rosewater and sweet orange flower water to leave your skin feeling fresh and revived. For a moisturiser that will help to keep you feeling centered, try Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator. This little beauty is perfect to apply at the beginning of a stressful day, as it uses rose gallica extract and chamomile extract to help to address the skin’s visible response to stress.
#4: Protect yourself
Once you’re done with your face, don’t forget to protect your body from the visible effects of stress, too. NIVEA Stress Protect Aerosol for Women helps to protect you from the effects of emotional and thermal stress by keeping sweat and odour at bay.
#5: Carry on-the-go pick-me-ups
If you feel anxiety beginning to creep up on you during the day, find a quiet place where you can relax and take 10 deep breaths in and out. For a bit of added help, we recommend pampering your hands with a product that contains Persian rose and argan extract (like Grown Intensive Hand Cream) and spritzing your face with an uplifting hydration mist, like the Certified Organics Rose Hydration Mist from Planet Eve.
#6: Get your partner involved
As well as being a sure fire way to battle stress, a soothing massage is also a great way to bring you and your partner together. Take turns massaging each other’s back with a nourishing, uplifting oil such as Clarins Relax Body Treatment Oil, which includes a blend of stress-relieving, fatigue-fighting ingredients such as geranium, chamomile and basil. Likewise, Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil is a perfect choice, with concentrated essential oils such as sandalwood, lavender, orange and patchouli, which help to enhance muscle relaxation while stimulating your senses.
#7: Soak in the tub
There’s a reason that a long, hot bath is constantly recommended to treat stress – it works! Especially if you add components to help you relax, such as bath salts, a cooling eye mask – and a glass of vino. We recommend Sanctuary Spa Luxury Bath Float and Manicare Soothing Eye Gelsif you really want to escape to a place of utter zen.
#8: Get your before bed ritual down
If you’re in need of a few more zzz’s, get the process started nice and early – as in, when you shower and remove your make-up. Get your mind in the mood for rest by cleansing away the day’s dirt and grime with A’Kin Lavender Body Wash. The organic lavender oil will help to soothe and relax your mind and body. Next, treat your skin to blend of nourishing skin care products that help to calm and nourish your skin. If your line-up consists of Kosmea certified organic rosehip oil or Jojoba botanical hydrating face mask– you’re in for a delightfully peaceful slumber. If you want to make sure you reach a deep sleep, spritz your pillow with calming L’Occitane Aromachology Relaxing Pillow Mist for good measure.
Stockists:
Jojoba botanical hydrating face mask,
Clarins Relax Body Treatment Oil, $62, 02 9663 4277
Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream with Persian Rose & Argan Extract, $27.95, www.grown.com
What is your favourite way to relax? Which stress-relieving products would you most like to try and why?
