Breathe: Easy ways to De-stress and Relax This Fall

School is back in session and parents everywhere are deeply immersed in the hustle and bustle of the school and work week. It’s not easy to find moments where you can just catch your breath, destress and relax. My challenge to you as the stress of your day begins to feel insurmountable, take a moment to yourself and try one of these simple breathing techniques.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.

5 Ways to Breathe Easy

 

Morning Mindfulness

There is a great video on mindfulness I show my students every year. It’s 60 minutes special on taking time each day to be present and in the moment while focusing only on your breath. Each morning in homeroom we take 5 minutes to find a comfortable spot, close our eyes, and just focus on our breathing. It’s such a peaceful way to begin the morning and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Deep breathing exercises

One of the best strategies I’ve used when I’m stressed to the max is to lock myself in a quiet space and do some deep breathing using the 4:7:8 method. Take a deep breathe in through your nose (breathing through your abdomen, not your chest) for 4 seconds. Hold for a count of 7 and exhale for 8 seconds slowly through your mouth. Continue until you feel calmer and your breathing becomes steady.

Pick Up Some Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used since the dawn of man for medicinal purposes as well as to improve overall health and wellbeing. It’s no wonder it’s popularity continue to be on the rise in modern times as well. With all of the chemicals we are bombarded with on a daily basis now, it makes sense to return to our roots and make use of what is naturally found in nature to heal and calm our bodies. My favorite essential oil box is from Simply Earth which includes nothing but 100% pure essential oils in their box. You receive 4 essential oils and several recipe cards along a big bonus box every few months for a DIY’ers dream. Use the code: GOODENUFMOMMYFREE to receive a big bonus box on your first order and a $20 coupon for future orders also.

Meditate before you fall asleep

An easy strategy to relax before you sleep is to lie in bed in a comfortable position and visualize each part of your body falling asleep one at a time. Starting at your feet, relax your toes, feet, and ankles. Move up your legs and relax your knees and hips, breathing as you go. Continue up your body all the way up to your head. Usually by the time I read my hairline I’m already fast asleep!

Breathe clean

As a teacher, inevitably I catch my first winter cold around the end of September. Classroom air is almost always stuffy and dry. My go-to has always been a humidifier, but I’ve worried in the past about it becoming a big ol’bacteria trap. I’m partial to the Dyson humidifier which uses Ultraviolet clean technology to kill 99.9% of bacteria in the water and distributes it evenly throughout the room. I’m in love…

Check it out for yourself!

 

What are your favorite ways to decompress when you are getting back into the school routine? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear your suggestions.

The Good Enuf Mommy