SOME BASIC STRESS MANAGEMENT THIS TIME OF YEAR

This time of year tends to bring about a lot of stress for many individuals, ranging from school stress, children going to school, seasonal transitions, seasonal affective mood changes, dietary changes, sleep patterns changing, exercise (or lack thereof) changes, work changes, family/friend changes, and even astrological changes.

It is important to cultivate a deeper relationship to not only notice the changes, and how they change, but also when and where they change. This deeper insight can become a proactive model that can create a template utilizing supportive resources to navigate this terrain better than in previous times and previous years.

Here are some general suggestions that can be helpful:

1- Add meditation to your day. Start with the morning, at least 10 minutes (5 if you don’t have 10, initially), then maybe even add a second time, before bed, say 3 minutes just to touch base and disconnect from the day. Be consistent with this routine, as much as possible!

2- Get into a daily routine (dinacarya) with your meals (Ahara), whether 2 meals or 3 meals a day and BE CONSISTENT with this! (at least 70% of the time)

3- Get into a daily routine (dinacarya) with your sleep schedule/hygiene (Nidra), around 10:00 pm (ideally). BE CONSISTENT with this! (at least 70% of the time)

4- Get into a daily routine (dinacarya) with your exercise (Vyayama), and/or yoga, whether 3-5x a week, and BE CONSISTENT with this!

5- Get into nature at least 1x a week for at least an hour. Be consistent with this.

6- Get regular massages (abhyanga with svedhana) at least 1x a week, if not every two weeks, or at least some form of bodywork/massage that is particular to your needs.

7- Dress appropriately per season and time of day.

8- Bathe daily (not necessarily washing your hair if this is a consideration of yours), and be consistent with bathing/showering times. Note: make sure it is after exercising, and/or after meals, never before either or both unless its been at least an hour/hour and a half.

9- Connect with your friends/loved ones/beloveds 2-3x a week, or at least do something that is fun. Remember, all work creates stress even if you love what you do, and that a break is needed.

10- Find time throughout each day to be playful. Connect with the child that is within you that can benefit from an outlet. Find joy in each day, in a moment, however big or small and if/whenever possible.

11- Take time to pause, to reflect, and to become still. Take time to breathe and to take a break from your typicaly daily distractions. Set aside some time daily or weekly to do this.

DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed with a qualified practitioner and primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.