02/03/2025
Your stress-busting toolkit 🔧⚙️💥
Dealing with stressors in your life can be a longer, messier story. But are there ways we can reduce the physiological impacts of stress on our system? YES!
These are my go-to’s when we need to implement some accessible tools to downregulate the stress response, and take you from living in “fight-or-flight” into “rest-and-digest”.
👟 Movement — Lowers cortisol and boosts endorphins. Implement any type of movement that feels good to you, bonus points if it is outside
✏️ Journaling — Lowers heart rate and cortisol. Write freely for 5–10 minutes daily about emotions, gratitude, or challenges without judgment
☕️ Choosing decaf — Reduces nervous system stimulation. Switch to decaf or herbal tea, especially in the afternoon.
🧘🏼♀️ Guided meditation — Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and promoting relaxation. Use an app such as headspace, insight timer, or calm for 5–10 minutes daily.
🌿 Aromatherapy — Calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile reduces stress hormones and activates relaxation responses. Diffuse oils or apply to pulse points.
💭 Regular counseling — Helps reframe stress and build resilience, reducing chronic activation of the stress response. Schedule consistent sessions with a therapist.
🎧️ Listening to calming music — Lowers cortisol, boosts serotonin and dopamine. Play on repeat as needed.
Save this list for the next time you need a quick tool to interject a little calm into a crazy day ☁️🌪️
