REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVEL BY 60% ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY!
There is nothing demanding about looking at a fractal.
Fractals are patterns found in nature, such as the petals of a flower, a spiderweb or a snowflake. Even your body is full of fractals! Consider your veins, nerves, lungs….all fractals. Patterns are the spectacular building blocks all around us, within us and outside of us.
Stare at the swirling pattern of a succulent for a calming effect
Guess what? Taking time to gaze at fractal-rich patterns almost instantaneously reduces stress and produces relaxation.
Flowers are not just pretty and pleasingly fragrant. By taking a moment to gaze at the beautifully repeated petal pattern you’ll begin to feel tension melting away
Think about the lovely sense of calm you experience after staring up at the clouds, watching the ocean waves roll one after another or looking at the branches of a tree sway in the breeze. You can thank the fractals. The repeating patterns found throughout nature in trees, clouds, plants, flowers, rivers and coastlines are simply stress reducing magic 💫.
Before you blow away the dandelion fluff with a wish be sure to take some time to look at its relaxation inducing pattern Look upwards for a calming treat from the artistically patterned branches of a tree Vegetables can benefit us in many ways, but who knew that taking a minute to look at the swirling pattern of Romanesco broccoli can help soothe anxiety!
Fractals images can be found in artwork, sculptures and architecture.
Fractal style artwork
Just sit back and enjoy these stress reducing videos. 💛
A relaxation exercise that focuses on tensing your muscles and then releasing them for decreased feelings of stress and tension within your body. Often times we keep our muscles tense without realizing it; this exercise will help you feel the difference between this tension and relaxation.
Way, way back, decades ago, the word chakra came up in a conversation. The term was unfamiliar to me at the time so I searched my brain for some frame of reference 🤔. Nada, nothing, zero. My interest was piqued! This was the start of my adventure into a deeper understanding of our energy system.
Chakra literally translates to “wheel” ☸ We have seven main chakras beginning at the base of our spine up to the crown of our head. I find their influence on our mind, body and spirit fascinating! These powerhouses of life force energy spin independently but work interdependently. The free-flowing energy is part of our system that keeps us vibrant and healthy ✨
Physical, emotional or spiritual disruption may occur if one or more of our chakras becomes blocked, clogged, stagnant… whichever word you choose, the meaning is the same, energy has stopped flowing freely. Guess what? Chakras can be opened and healed using various methods which allow the energy to run through them freely so harmony 💫may exist among the physical body, mind and spirit.
Root Chakra ~ “I am” The root chakra, also known as the tribal chakra, represents our foundation. It is located at the base of our spine and gives us the feeling of being grounded. It is our connection to familial beliefs which help form our identity and sense of belonging.
When the root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet. When it’s blocked, we feel threatened, as if we’re standing on unstable ground.
Location: Base of spine What itcontrols: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food
Sacral Chakra ~ “I feel” The sacral chakra helps form how we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others. This partnership chakra pushes us toward relating to external forces, discovering relationships outside of tribal authority and exploring power of choice. It also governs creativity and sexual energy.
An open sacral chakra supports enjoyment of life through the senses and a feeling of well-being. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives.
Location: Lower abdomen What it controls: Your sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and sexuality
Solar Plexus Chakra ~ “I do” The third chakra, the solar plexus chakra, speaks to your ability to be confident and in control of your life. It relates to our personal power in relation to the external world. Think back to the last time you had butterflies or felt a pit in the stomach: That’s the third chakra at work.
If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open solar plexus chakras are free to express their true selves.
Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area What it controls: Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem
Heart Chakra ~ “I love” The heart chakra is the central powerhouse of the human energy system. It is the bridge between the lower chakras (associated with body) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality). As the name suggests, this chakra can influence our ability to give and receive love—from others and ourselves.
Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life. If someone’s heart is open, they can give and receive love freely, experience deep compassion and empathy.
Location: Center of chest, just above the heart What it controls: Love, joy, and inner peace
Throat Chakra ~ “I speak” The throat chakra gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power. The fifth chakra involves the power of will and learning the nature of choice.
When it’s functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.
Location: Throat What it controls: Communication, self-expression, and truth
Third-Eye Chakra ~ “I see” The Third-Eye chakra correlates to our mental abilities, psychological skills, and how we evaluate beliefs and attitudes. It controls our ability to see the big picture and connect to intuition. Think of it as the eye of the soul: It registers information beyond the surface level.
A blocked third eye chakra can manifest as fear of the unknown, feelings of inadequacy, difficulty concentrating and anxiety. Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra.
Location: Forehead between the eyes What it controls: Intuition, imagination, and wisdom
Crown Chakra ~ “I understand” The crown chakra, the highest chakra, sits at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. It is the entry point for human life-force, which pours endlessly into the human energy system from a greater source.
When you fully open your crown chakra you’re able to access a higher consciousness.
Location: The very top of the head What it controls: Inner and outer beauty, spiritual connection
Sometimes it’s challenging to find balance once we feel overwhelmed or anxious. Interrupting the cycle of worrisome thoughts can be helpful in taking the edge off and resetting to a space of equanimity. Next time anxiety begins hijacking your mind and body, give one of these anxiety reducing methods a try
Breathe Yourself Calm Breath is one of our best defenses against stress, fear, and frustration. When we find ourselves in a heightened state of anxiety the first step is to calm the sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of our nervous system that activates the fight or flight response. A simple way to restore equanimity is with long, deep breaths. So, let’s give it a try.
Start by taking a full breath, counting five on the inhale 1..2..3..4..5
Pause at the top of the inhale as long as is comfortable to do so, perhaps 3-5 seconds
Now, on the exhale, count down 5..4..3..2..1. With the exhale, purposefully allow the tension to take leave of your body and mind
You may choose to pause at the bottom of the exhale if it feels right for you
With just this first intentional breath, you have begun to calm the nervous system
Continue this breathing pattern 3-5 cycles or, until you feel soothed
Quick CalmingMethods
Grab two ice cubes. Hold them in each of your hands for a few moments.This “cools” the brain and brings down anxiety
Close your eyes and slowly count to 10. If necessary, repeat and count to 20 or an even higher number. Keep counting until you feel your anxiety subsiding. Counting can relax you because it gives you something to focus on besides your anxiety
Simply push against the wall with flat palms and feet planted on the floor for 5 to 10 seconds. Placing the weight of our body against a solid, immobile surface and feeling the pull of gravity is stabilizing, even on a subconscious level
Move You Body to Ease Your Mind Go for a walk, jog, do jumping jacks, skip down the sidewalk, bike or walk up and down the steps. Exercise brings down anxiety FAST! It doesn’t have to be intense, find the type movement that feels right for you.
Stretch We tend to contract during stressful times. Everything contracts. Our mind, as our thinking loops in a tight circle, our bodies stiffen, it even shows on our faces with furrowed brows, a tightened jaw and pinched mouth. Our muscles shorten and become less flexible causing discomfort. Stretching releases physical tension, changes focus to body and breath providing overall expansion and relief! Yay!
Having trouble getting started? This is a simple and effective stretch – lay down on the floor, legs extended, arms up over head – imagine your hands and your feet are reaching toward opposite ends of the room. Don’t force anything, stretching shouldn’t hurt. It should have you feeling like a bowl of pudding! Don’t forget to BREEEEATHE
Imagery It’s helpful to shift our minds by using our imagination or connecting with memories of safety and happiness. The brain doesn’t know the difference between reality and imagination. Cool, huh?
By getting in touch with a happy memory or visualizing a positive experience your body will begin to release neurotransmitters that counteract the stress hormones. Buh, bye cortisol!
This imagery can be a special moment with a loved one, a relaxing day on the beach, an exhilarating hike or the loving embrace of someone special…. let your memories and/or imagination roam to happy places. Imagine the feelings, sounds and scents that might be part of the memory/visualization.
You can easily drift toward this delightful place in your mind when you feel anxious in the future.
What’s Your Mantra? Find your personal mantra, repeat everyday and many times throughout the day. Repeat to yourself or out loud. You may already have a mantra. That’s great!! Use it! If not, here are some examples: A Chant: “Om”….Ommmmmmm ~ the “m” vibration is so nice for the brain Self-loving: “I am enough” or “I am kind, I am loving” AFavorite Quote: “One day at a time” or “What we think, we become” Positivity: “I breathe in peace, I breathe out peace”, “I Choose Love” or “I am grateful” A Mantra holds a different meaning for each of us. It may reflect something you are experiencing right now, who you are at a soul level or how you express yourself to the world. Mostly, it should feel beautifully aligned with your heart, head and spirit as the words move comfortably across your tongue
Self-Compassion
“This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I give myself the compassion I need” ~~ Kristen Neff
What words do you need to hear to comfort yourself during troubling times? It’s okay to feel cranky, angry, sad, scared. Give yourself permission to sit in your feelings without judgment. By tending to difficult emotions mindfully and with self-compassion you learn how to work with them rather than stuffing them away. 💛 Take a moment to place your hand over your heart, or maybe on your tummy, talk to yourself in a warm and compassionate voice. What would you say to a loved one? Now, say those words to yourself. Reassure yourself. Soothe yourself. Be kind to yourself 💛
Laughter – Humor
What’s Forrest Gump’s password? 1forrest1
😂 I heard all of you reading that just the way Jenny said it in the movie!
Try to laugh at least once a day. If you’re having trouble finding things that make you laugh, don’t worry, I have a boatload of corny jokes!
Watch funny animal videos, comedy shows and maybe standup comedians- there are a bunch available on Netflix. Chat/text with your humorous friends regularly!
“If you wish to provide peace, provide peace for another“~~ Dalai Lama
With deep gratitude and awe for each of you who selflessly provide an incredible sense of peace to others, may it return to you tenfold as peace in your heart, peace of mind and peace in your soul.
