Real Strategies to Reduce Stress at Home
By Lana Bandoim
It is not easy to control stress levels outside the home. Coworkers, neighbors and strangers can create stress that is impossible to avoid. They can irritate and annoy you. However, people have the ability to make their house a sanctuary that does not allow stress to walk through the front door.
Make Home an Escape
The stress of the day does not have to follow you home. Consider different ways to make the house an escape from stress. Try buying and drinking soothing herbal teas such as chamomile or lemon balm. Play calming music by a favorite group or artist. Invest in several light dimmers that can be used throughout the house.
Turn Off the News
Sometimes it is necessary to disconnect from the news temporarily to reduce stress. Consider turning off the news or the entire television at home. Avoid visiting news websites on a phone or tablet. Give your brain the chance to relax and avoid stimulation from the constant updates. In many cases, stress comes from outside sources, so it is important to control them.
Shorten the To-Do List
A long to-do list at home that is filled with chores can create more stress. Try to shorten the list and make it more realistic. Instead of trying to clean the basement, attic and garage in one week, pick one area in the home and make it spotless.
If you are struggling and want to feel accomplished, consider doing a reverse to-do list. This type of list is easy to create and can lift a person’s mood. After doing tasks such as picking up the mail, cooking dinner or cleaning the table, write them down on a list and cross them off. Sometimes it helps to see what you have already accomplished, so stress decreases.
Change the Bedroom
Instead of being an inviting room that restores your health through sleep, the bedroom can be cluttered and only increases stress. Consider making changes to your bedroom to make it a calm sanctuary. Get rid of the television and other devices because the blue light they emit can affect sleep. Remove clutter, exercise equipment and other things that discourage sleep. Add soothing music, aromatherapy or candles to reduce stress.
Try these tips to reduce stress at home, and you may discover several health benefits. From drinking chamomile tea to turning off the television, many strategies can help.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in American Fork, Utah.
