Stress Awareness: 6 Easy Ways to Help Increase Mindfulness & Reduce Stress Mindfulness

It's National Stress Awareness Month. 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. 

Here are her top six ideas to help reduce your stress:

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. Set time aside for 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. Give yourself a 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?

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