Stress Awareness: 6 Ways to Help Increase Mindfulness & Reduce Stress! by Donna John

Nationally recognized psychologist Dr. Susan Albers recommends a variety of simple practices to increase mindfulness, which can lead to reduced stress, better food choices and improved emotional intelligence including. Here are six!

1. Enjoy an Epsom salt soak - Add 2 cups Epsom salt and 1/2 cup olive oil into warm bath water and soak for 15 minutes.
2. Give your eyes a break – Rest and reset tired eyes by rubbing your hands together then gently placing your warm palms over closed eye lids for one to three minutes.
3. Practice Child’s Pose – Kneel on a carpet or soft mat, drop your bottom to your knees and lean forward, stretching your arms out in front of you and resting your forehead on either a pillow or the floor. Breathe deeply in and out for five minutes.
4. Warm Up - Improve your sleep by warming your pajamas in the dryer for five minutes and slipping into them just before bed.
5. Tea Time – Enjoy a daily cup of cinnamon or black tea. Both have been proven to help reduce cortisol, a hormone responsible for fight-or-flight stress and often weight gain.
6. Self-Massage – Use a tennis ball to relax and release muscles after a long day. Gently roll tired feet over the tennis ball or place it between your shoulders, lean against a wall and slowly move from side to side.

How do you increase mindfulness and relax?