Stress Management for Women:
5 Relaxation Strategies

Somehow, stress management for women is different.

Everyone has stress, yet women have our own set of challenges that are unique. We are trying to do it all. We take care of our husbands, our boyfriends, our parents and our kids. We forget to take care of ourselves. We tend to neglect ourselves, leaving our own self care for last. We must remember to take some time out for ourselves.

When you are on an airplane and the flight attendant is giving all the emergency instructions, what does she say about the oxygen masks? She tells you to take care of yourself first. Put your oxygen mask on first and then help your child or others around you. You can’t help anyone if you are gasping for breath.

Recognizing that we can’t help others unless we take care of ourselves first, use these tips for dealing with stress.

Here are 5 Relaxation Strategies as Stress Management for Women:

1. Lavender. Sprinkle a mist of lavender on your pillow before going to bed and you won’t be counting sheep anymore. The light, refreshing scent will gently help you relax as you drift off to sleep.

2. Candles and a Bubble Bath. Try this old standby using plumeria scents. What makes this scent so special is that it is commonly used to make Hawaiian leis. Close your eyes and pretend you are on a tropical vacation.

3. Nature. Get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you live near the beach, the mountains or a lake, a few minutes outside will help relieve stress. Short on time? Sit on a park bench during your lunch break. Raining? Get a nature CD and listen to it while you chill out.

4. Yoga. Anyone can do yoga at any skill level. Find a class that fits your flexibility or you try it at home on your own using a DVD. Did you know that yoga can even be done from a chair? The best part of yoga is the meditation at the end of a class.

5. Self Hypnosis. All the previous four strategies are very relaxing. You’ll notice each includes a certain level of meditation. Self hypnosis takes meditation one step further by including positive intention in the process. Meditation empties the cup and self hypnosis fill the cup back up with your self help intentions. Here's how to use self hypnosis.

The key to these strategies is to make the time in your busy calendar for it. Practice a few times a week and before you know it, you’ll have trained your mind to naturally be in a relaxed state of mind.

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