Natural ways to deal with stress and decompress this winter
Ahhh– the most wonderful, busy time of the year! If you are feeling the crunch of the holiday season or if the winter blues are taking their tole, these tips are for you! Take 5 to read on and then pick an idea or two and go do you!
Tips for rest and relaxation:
Turn the screens off before bed or bet yet, keep them out of the bedroom completely - the blue light that is emitted can affect your circadian rhythm making it more difficult to fall asleep and wake up.
The time change also can have lasting effects on your circadian rhythm. Getting outside, even for just a few minutes at dusk and dawn, can help.
Walk barefoot as often as possible. Besides having a positive affect on our natural walking pattern, being barefoot activates our proprioception (your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location or your sense of place in space) and stimulates reflex zones in your feet which affect the entire body!
Caffeine can sneak in and mess with rest and relaxation as well, so consider a cup of herbal tea or some energizing breathing exercises
when you would normally reach for a cup of joe in the afternoon. Remind yourself to breath out of your nose, not your mouth.
Developing a simple ritual around waking and sleeping is a good trick as well. Whether it’s a new skin care routine, journaling, gentle stretching, or just having a routine to look forward to, can help your body relax and get the rest you need.
Check out our favorite teas, tinctures, crystals and more for rest and relaxation:
Tips for keeping your cool during the hustle and bustle of the season:
-
Remember you can say “No, thanks” to things. It can feel easier in the moment to say “Yes!” but if you are already at capacity, a simple “no” will serve you best!
-
Schedule “you” time whether that’s solo or with friends. Keep it simple and easy!
-
Grab your favorite CBD gummies or tincture to use as needed.
-
Spritz it away - refresh with a spritz.
-
Keep Elevate on hand - A mood lifting tincture that calms and restores the nervous system. It helps to bring an energetic productive boost when you are feeling worn out and tired. Get your sparkle back!
-
Begin or end your shower with a little cold water therapy! Cold water is known to:
-
Reduce stress
-
Heighten awareness
-
Increase your immune response
-
Assist with weight loss
Start off with a 30 seconds or less and increase as you get more comfortable.
Our favorite on-the-go remedies for stress:
For the family:
Around your home, simmer pot of Mulling Spices or essential oils like our Clarity Blend to bring a change of pace and mood.
-
Try to minimize the sugar attacks - set out sweet teas like Salix School Brew or B-Tea and Cacao & Cordycep Chai or Coco for Hot Cocoa and keep healthy snacks on hand.
-
Ask for help! You don’t need to do it all. Really. Speaking up can feel so much better! This too shall all pass!
-
Focus on the traditions that matter - ask your children, partner, friends, and family which traditions are their favorites and let the rest go.
-
Take a walk
-
Spend time with pets
If you can make a little time, try to soak it off. A hot bath not only relaxes your muscles, it can relax your mind and reset your mood. Studies have shown that taking a bath can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. Bump up the relaxation with essential oils, bath salts, and a candle. If you have kids or a partner, setting this up for them could be a sweet surprise that benefits everyone!
Our favorite ways to level up your next bath:
Lastly, do something simple and kind for someone else. Studies have shown that “spreading the love” helps to boost our serotonin levels, so it’s a win-win! Check-in on someone who’s been on your mind, even if it’s been 7 years.
Gunnison Location:
126 N Main St.
Gunnison, CO 81230
970.707.4135
11am-5pm 7 Days a Week
Crested Butte Location:
510 Elk Avenue #6
Crested Butte, CO 81224
11am-5pm 7 Days a Week
The information and ingredients in this blog and website is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the blog author, or Briana Wiles, owner of Rooted Apothecary and author of Mountain States Foraging, or Timber Press. The author of the blog and of Mountain States Foraging, and the publisher of said book disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. In particular, eating wild plants is inherently risky. Plants can easily be mistaken, and individuals vary in their physiological reactions to plants that are touched and consumed.
Website by Firesite Creative