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[If anyone wants on/off this list, just freepmail me.]

I put together some ideas for helping deal with stress, anxiety and to promote calm. If anyone has other things that work, add them!

Some methods to help reduce stress and promote mental calm and relaxation

1. Use of essential oils in dispenser, spray with water, baths, skin application with carrier oil, or other methods. Below is a list of EOs, some are refreshing and uplifting, some calming, some multiple purpose. Many are quite strong and most EOs should not be used directly on the skin undiluted. EOs must be pure and unadulterated, no “fragrance oils”. Simple blends can sometimes be more helpful helpful than single oil, experiment.

Lavender
YlanYlang
Bergamot
Orange
Tangerine
Sandalwood
Lemongrass
Lemon
Jasmine
Rose
Geranium
Frankincense
Clary Sage
Marjoram

2. Hot bath soaks, with a few drops of EOs if desired. Soaking for 20 minutes seems a long time but relaxes the muscles and and the mind. Heat is relaxing (especially in cold weather), try a hot water bottle on the stomach when lying down.

3. Getting a good oil massage from a professional, if not, try a simple self massage as described earlier in the thread.

4. To help with sleep, massage the feet, especially the soles, with some oil, rubbed in well (put loose socks to prevent sheets getting oily), also a cup of hot milk calms the nervous system.

5. Avoid watching or watching news, dramatic or violent movies in the last hour before going to bed. Eat at least 2 or 3 hours before bedtime.

6. Take time out to look into the distance – far away trees, mountains, the clouds. Go outside and look at the night sky if stars are visible.

7. Take walks in the fresh air especially if you can in a park, beaches, trails or quiet residential neighborhoods.

8. Exercising – walking is great, but also calming ones like hatha yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, swimming, stretching.

9. Alternate nostril breathing – one of the most instantly and deep calming methods I know. Video link, also called Nadishodhana or Anuloma Viloma Prayanama. It is extremely simple to do, no need to sit with crosslegged, can be done sitting in a chair. Just sit very straight. The effects are felt within minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUFzLVf5wL4

10. Reading or listening to inspirational books, scriptures, ancient wisdom. Reading out loud is helpful because the mind is affected more deeply with sound than just silent reading.

11. Listening to music that you find inspirational or calming. I like Bach, Gregorian chants, Gamelan music and others.

12. Play music yourself.

13. If you have any kind of creative hobby, take time out to do it, and you can listen to music at the same time. I have a huge pile of mending and I find it very soothing to patch, mend rips, etc.

14. Take calming herbs. I like catnip extract or tea, chamomile is said to be calming but I find it more useful for stomach but it’s nice. Any or all of the herbs in Relax and Sleep, or the herbs at the link below:

Some Very Important Herbs for the Nervous System

https://freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/3735908/posts?page=389#389