I’m sure many of you are deeply affected by what is happening in Israel and Gaza, and I would like to send my love, light, and prayers to those suffering now. We must bond together as a peaceful community and support each other, and our loved ones more than ever.
This has been a stressful time mentally and emotionally—I’m sure many of you feel the same. I am heartbroken since Hamas launched their heinous terrorist attack last weekend. I feel paralyzed, powerless, overwhelmed, and scared—this is like a repeat of 9/11 or the staging of another Holocaust.
In order to keep things under control for me in the mental health department lately, I’ve tapped into some helpful stress management and anxiety-coping mechanisms. Since they have been helping me, I thought I would share them with you.
Keep reading to see my Top 12 tips (and product picks) for Stress Management During Difficult Times. Please feel free to reach out and DM me via Instagram HERE to connect with me directly. I’d love to hear how you are doing during these challenging times and if you have more tips to share with me and The Glow Girl community!
XxMelissa
Stress Management Tools to Use During Difficult Times
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Practice Box Breathing
I do this breathing technique as soon as I wake up, and before I go to bed:
Inhale slowly through your nose as you count to four
Hold your breath for four seconds
Exhale for four seconds
Repeat as needed (I usually do this three times)
2. Take a Break From the News
Schedule a specific time of day (with a time limit) when you will get your updates. Do not watch the news before going to sleep—it can be very disturbing. Some good ideas are to watch a good old movie, listen to your favorite podcast, or read before bed. Feel free to DM me on Instagram HERE for my list of favorite shows, books, and podcasts.
3. Connect With Nature
My favorite way to de-stress is to be in nature and spend time with my dog Bella or ride horses. Take walks outside, watch the sunset, listen to the birds. There is nothing more grounding than connecting with our beautiful planet.
4. Keep a Gratitude Journal and Read Inspirational Books
Journaling every day has been life-changing for me. I love this easy-to-use (and keep up with) gratitude journal called The Five-Minute Journal. I’ve found that when you physically write what you appreciate every day—even all the little things—life is put into perspective. Lately, I have been reading books by inspiring thinkers like Yung Pueblo and Vex King to help ground myself.
5. Move Your Body
Get moving for 20-60 minutes—every single day! I love walking, yoga, tennis, Pilates and online fitness classes like The Class. No matter what type of exercise you prefer, any movement is good for stress. It can help distract you from worry by boosting your brain’s endorphins which also improves sleep.
6. Meditate
Having a regular meditation practice has been great for reducing my stress levels. I love meditating outside in nature or for a few minutes at the end of my yoga class. There are also many popular meditation apps that are helpful like Insight Timer, Unplug or The Calm App.
7. Schedule Self-Care Time & Get More Spiritual
Try taking baths and add magnesium salts , light scented candles made with essential oils, and listen to calming music to help melt away the stress. Do this 3x per week and you will feel the difference! I also like to light Palo Santo and collect certain crystals that I hold as needed during challenging times. My favorite candles are by Voyage et Cie and I light them all the time. Use code glowgirl15 for 15% off.
8. Get a Good Night Sleep
It’s important to get a solid 7 + hours a night and listen to what your body needs. Sleep can boost your immune system, help with your mood and increase productivity which all contribute to stress reduction! Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I find taking a supplement cocktail of Magnesium, Theanine or Thorne’s Sleep + to be very helpful! Also, be sure to put away your phone and computer at least 30 minutes before hitting the pillow.
9. Spend Time Connecting With Friends and Family
Talking, seeing, hugging, and spending time with loved ones causes us to release serotonin—one of the feel-good hormones associated with happiness and lower stress/anxiety levels. Social support also slows the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Make the FaceTime call. Extend the dinner invite.
10. Human Touch
Consider getting a massage. I know this helps me so much to de-stress --I try to get a quick one in every week--even if it is at the nail place while my nails are drying. Also, reach out to your loved ones for this too...hugging, cuddling and kisses never hurt anyone.
11. Take Certain Supplements
I deferred to my integrative doctor, and holistic nutritionist to get these recommendations for stress management. Taking these natural supplements and minerals can help with anxiety and depression too.
CBD - Some people like to take CBD and my go-to brand for that is Winged! I order most of my supplements from Amazon and Thorne. I also have a supplements freebie guide you can get HERE with all my personal favorites. You can check out these and my supplements page on AMAZON HERE.
12. Adaptogen Mushrooms
I have been taking these for years now and find them to be very helpful to find calm, focus, and relax my mind. There are so many great adaptogen mushroom products out there now. You can search on Amazon HERE to find one that is a perfect fit for you.
Below are 3 product recos and how I get my adaptogen mushrooms in daily--this is not sponsored—it’s just something I love and use almost every day because it works well for me:
OM Brain Fuel blend is a yummy mocha blend with reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms. I usually have this first thing in the morning but is also great when I need an afternoon boost. Benefits of Brain Fuel include mental clarity, stress management, focus, and alertness.
Every night, I have an OM Hot Chocolate Mushroom drink made with:
Lion’s Mane: Helps support memory, focus, nerve health, creativity & mood
Reishi: Adaptogen that helps the body balance and handle physical/mental stress
Chaga: Promotes healthy aging
Turkey Tail: Supports the immune system
Ashwagandha: Helps manage stress and anxiety
I also love Alice Chocolates – they are delicious and make day and night formulas. Check them out HERE.
The bottom line is that stress affects all areas of our lives—our mood, sleep, weight, focus, and more, so it’s good to try and get a handle on it before it negatively impacts our overall health. These stress-management strategies and products help my brain to slow down, and relax and have contributed to improving my overall mental health. I hope you try some of them for yourself to see how they work for you too!
*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or healthcare professional, so I encourage you to check with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.