Wednesday 2nd November was National Stress Awareness Day. Unbelievably stress has such a negative and huge impact on so many people these days that they felt the need to dedicate a whole day to recognising it and more importantly in the hope that we will all do something about it. Don't get me wrong, we all need a certain amount of pressure to keep mentally alert and motivated, but crossing the line from ‘enough’ to ‘too much’ leads to stress which affects work performance, health and wellbeing. Recent statistics show that up to ½ million people in the UK have work related stress often resulting in illness and up to 5 million people in the UK are ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressed through work.
At glo we we offer companies some fantastic wellbeing programmes and initiatives to help maintain a happy and healthy workforce and whilst some companies are happy to invest in the health and wellbeing of their staff, lots of companies are unable to or simply won't. With access to a team of fantastically enthusiastic holistic and beauty professionals, we wanted to share some handy DIY tips that you can try out at work, home or school to help de-stress, unwind and relax.
If your shoulders feel tight then then consider a homemade stress ball. Grab a tennis ball and standing against any wall, position the ball between your back and the wall. Avoiding crunching over very bony areas eg centre of spine. Move your body up and around to allow the tennis ball to ease out with the pressure any knots and tension. Alternatively kick back and relax on the sofa, and roll your feet over the ball for an efficient foot / Reflexology treat.
Nicky Abell-Francis - Massage Therapist
Frankincense (boswellia carterii) is a rich, incense-y, slightly lemon-y resin, that has been in use for thousands of years in skincare, health and as a popular incense, to clear personal space, banish negativity and to still the mind, aid meditation and regulate the breath, aside from its skincare applications I find the essential oil very useful when experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed, shallow breathing and having an over busy mind or inability to think clearly.
This is an oil that can be used in a burner/diffuser to create a general feeling of calm and peace or add 1 drop of essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil (such as coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed ), then massage into upper chest, back of neck and small circular strokes to temples. The relaxing effect is reinforced if you can find a quiet space to sit.
For a quick on the spot fix, place one drop of Frankincense essential oil into palms, rub together briefly and then cup hands over your nose and inhale, focusing on your breath – count 4 slow deep breaths in and 8 slow breaths out.
Tanya Moulding - Aromatherapist
Make your own Ultimate Glow & Moisturising Mask. Mash up an avocado (antioxidant & moisturising), with some pure honey (healing) & thick Greek yoghurt (a natural exfoliator). Wear something comfy, tie up your hair, turn off your phone, light your favourite candle, play some relaxing music, turn down the lights. Now apply your mask on your face, lie on your bed, close your eyes & relax for at least 15min. Rinse your face with luke warm water & apply your favourite moisturiser
Jancey Moorhouse - Beauty Therapist
Firstly switch off phones. Find a quiet spot and sit or lie with a straight spine. no slouching!!Then start watching your breath. Try and connect with your breath. Inhale deeply all the way to your belly. Let it inflate like a balloon and exhale. Count to five slowly as you inhale and exhale for five.
Increase the count to 15 both ways. Repeat ten times. Your mind will probably go wild! It will say - this is boring! It doesn't work! What is for dinner? Who is on Facebook? Ignore your mind. You are not your mind, not your feelings. You are the control room that is in charge of how you feel and think. Observe your reactions. Write them down .notice how your body feels, the physical sensation of being at peace. The more your mind wants to resist; the more you need to persist
Vanessa Pond - Yoga Teacher
To help beat insomnia, anxiety, stress, agitation, try massaging the Acupuncture point Yong Quan Kidney 1 which is positioned on the midline of the sole of the foot a 3rd of the way along from the toes towards the heel between the two pads of the forefoot. Massage deeply this point with your thumb and breathe deeply.
Danny Maxwell, - Acupuncturist
A bath detox - Epsom salts are one of my favourite products, I often mix them with my leave in conditioner to make a salt spray - but when I've had a hard day, I chuck half a bag into a steamy hot bath and add a few drops of essential oils - I'd recommend lavender for anti anxiety, bergamot to relax or mandarin to calm. If you've got some to hand (or ask mum!) you can also add half a cup of baking soda to detox and a box of bath petals so your bath looks pretty and all your senses are pleased!
Nikki Andrews - Beauty Therapist
We hope these tips come in useful.