When the mind is tired and overloaded it can be difficult to concentrate and stop thinking about the same subject. Stopping 5 minutes to stretch, have a soothing coffee or tea and paint mandalas, which are designs suitable for adults, are some ways to get control, achieving wellness quickly and efficiently.
Here are 10 options for what you can do to calm your mind, control your thoughts and calm down, without having to get away from your day-to-day chores.
1. Take a soothing tea
Taking chamomile or valerian tea is a great way to calm your mind and body. These teas contain sedative properties that help you stay calm in a time of stress or anxiety crisis. Simply add 1 sachet of each tea in a cup and cover with boiling water. Then stand for 2 to 3 minutes and take still warm if you want to sweeten the best option is honey because it also helps to fight anxiety and nervousness.
See other excellent soothing recipes to combat anxiety and restlessness.
2. Stretch your muscles
For those who work long in the same position, whether standing or sitting, it is very good to be able to stop for a few minutes to stretch the muscles. This type of exercise is a great way to relax the thoughts and also the body, achieving wellness quickly. In the photos below we give some examples that are always welcome:
3. Paint a picture
There are very detailed designs, called mandala, which can be purchased at stationery stores and newspaper stands, and some kits come with colored pencils and a pen. Stopping 5 minutes to focus your attention just by painting the drawing will also help focus the mind to get some rest.
4. Eat a piece of chocolate
Eating 1 square of bitter chocolate with at least 70% cocoa also helps calm the nerves and feel calmer in no time. Chocolate helps regulate the amount of cortisol, which is the stress hormone in the blood and helps in the release of endorphins, which promote well-being. However, one should not consume a larger amount, due to the high calorie content, which can lead to weight gain.
5. Meditate for 3 to 5 minutes
Sometimes stopping to do nothing and just focusing your attention on the sensations your body produces is a great way to calm and organize the thoughts. A good strategy is to look for a quiet and peaceful place where you can sit quietly and close your eyes for a few minutes. In this period you should not think about the day-to-day chores or worry, but pay attention to your own breathing, for example.
See 5 steps to meditate alone and correctly.
6. Massage your hands and feet
Just like the feet, the hands contain reflex points that help to relax the entire body. Washing your hands and passing a moisturizing cream is the first step. Then you should use your thumb and your own palm to massage the other, but if possible let someone else massage you. The most important points involve the thumb and fingertips that bring a good sense of tranquility to the whole body.
Sliding your feet on marbles, ping pong or tennis shoes also stimulates reflex points of the soles of the feet, relaxing the whole body. The ideal is to wash your feet and give a moisturizer, but if you are working and it is not possible, just slip the balls on bare feet will promote calm and tranquility. If you want to watch this video where we teach how to do this massage step by step:
7. Bet on aromatherapy
Dripping two drops of lavender essential oil on the wrist and sniffing whenever you feel more stressed also provides a great natural solution for not having to resort to taking medication for anxiety or depression. It is also suggested to put a lavender sprig inside the pillow to soothe and sleep better.
8. Use coffee to your advantage
For those who do not like coffee, just smell coffee to stimulate the brain to produce endorphins that promote well-being. For those who like and can taste, drinking 1 cup of strong coffee can also be a good way to relax faster. However, drinking more than 4 cups of coffee per day is not a good option because too much caffeine can excite the nervous system too much.
9. Watch a comedy
Watching a comedy movie, funny episodes of a series or talking to a fun person is also a great way to feel good. Although forced laughter does not have exactly the same effect as a genuine good laugh, it can even help you feel better, and you can relax your body and mind. By smiling endorphins are released into the bloodstream and the effect can be felt within minutes by relaxing the body and mind.
10. Be in touch with nature
Walking barefoot, or just wearing socks, on the grass is a great way to relax quickly. It takes just a few minutes to feel more rested, which can be done in a snack break or at lunchtime, for example.
Observing the sea waves has this same calming effect for the mind, but if it is very hot, the effect may be the opposite, so the ideal is to start or end the day observing the sea. If this is not possible, you can watch a video of the sea or paradisiacal places for a few minutes. The blue and green colors soothe the brain and mind quickly and efficiently.
