Winter in Canada can be exhausting! From surviving the polar vortex while shoveling mountains of snow; to navigating freezing rain, dark days, and cold nights. Lucky for us (in Ontario) Wiarton Willie has predicted an early spring! I thought I would do something a little different this week and give you some ideas on how to stay positive and reduce stress as we push through the last of winter.
Step Outside – It’s almost spring! Head out the front door and enjoy the warmer temperatures as the worst of the cost weather is behind us. Let the fresh air energize you. On a sunny day, soak in the calming light. On a rainy day, let the sound of the rain drips relax you.
Get Active (my favorite) – Physical exercise can be an excellent stress-buster, so walk, run, skate, cycle, and dance, enjoy the rush; it really works! Research cited by the American Psychological Association suggests that physically active people are less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression than sedentary people because their bodies have more of an opportunity to practice dealing with stress.
Start laughing – Laughter really can be the best medicine. A good laugh stimulates circulation, helps muscles relax and boosts the production of endorphins. Over the long run, it can improve your immune system, relieve pain and make it easier to cope with tough circumstances. So see a funny movie, get tickets to a comedy show or hang out with a friend that makes you laugh.
Breathe deeply – Put your hand on your abdomen and take a few calm, deep, slow breathes, watch your hand move in and out. Maximize this stress-beating effect by throwing in the scent of essential oils or a steaming cup of herbal tea. Remember deep breathing can also have a positive effect on your heart, brain, digestion and immune systems.
Break your routine – Routines can be comforting but they can also make you feel trapped. Set yourself free by taking up a new, creative, hands-on hobby like pottery or baking. Learning a new skill can boost your confidence and activate new mental pathways that help you come up with fresh approaches to problems. It could also keep your mind sharp and improve your memory.
Clear the clutter – Even hidden out of sight and in cupboards, drawers and attics, disorder and clutter can be distracting and increase stress. Start your spring cleaning this weekend by tackling one room at a time, organizing and streamlining as you go.
Stay healthy – Get enough sleep and eat sensibly. Sleep deprivation has been shown to boost both blood pressure and levels of stress hormones. It also affects the immune system, making it easier for you to get sick. When it comes to your diet eat the foods that have been proven to reduce stress including walnuts, oatmeal, salmon, tea and spinach.
And above all else; be kind to yourself. Don’t let your stress reduction efforts stress you out! Be realistic, and give yourself permission to take the time to follow through. Managing stress is a life-long project, but committing yourself will pay off with better health, a more positive mood and a greater enjoyment of life.
Have a great weekend,
Tracey
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Photo by Hanna Lazar on Unsplash
Note: All mortgage related transactions are provided by Centum One Financial Group. Any information in the enclosed note is provided by Tracey Marshall who is a registered mortgage agent under the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. Centum One Financial Group is not affiliated or related to Security Financial