Happy Scents

Stress is a part of everyday lives. It is encountered across life span from babies not having adequate food, toddlers with no new toys to play with, teenagers who do not feel sense of belongingness and autonomy. It is present in adults with kids, jobs and parents to take care of and elderly who feel onset of different sickness. It varies across developmental stages and those are just examples but life changes, milestones and experiences play factors as well.

I can only speak for myself as an adult with full time job, pursuing a small business, having a long distance relationship and taking care of my nephews (the best role ever). Stress can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. It can make or break you. These are what I do and can recommend.

Ways to manage and cope with STRESS

• SWEDISH/FULL BODY MASSAGE– The best massage I experienced so far is in Sunny Foot Spa located in Lombard, IL. It was very affordable as well comparing to different spa around Chicago. Look for my girl Lisa, she is awesome. Tell her exactly how you want it deepen or lighten the pressure. I feel a different person after and all the neck and shoulder tensions are gone. Hands down the best masseuse!
• AROMATHERAPY– I can recommend King Spa & Sauna located in Niles, IL. Men and women have separate entrance. If you do not want to be naked in pool with fellow men or women (self conscious), you can by changing into their shirt and short and go straight to lounging area. Massage is overprice but entrance is worth it because of different spa/aromatherapy rooms, lounging area, movie area, Korean food place, sleeping area. It is a huge relaxation place, a haven for those stressed. Wonder why Koreans don’t age because they actually have these spas. You can stay practically for a whole day and when you leave you are in a fight mode for stress again. If you want aromatherapy in your own home, Young Living Essential Oils in diffusers and reed diffusers. I can recommend different combinations but I love peace and calming and lavender. Hit me up if you need recipes for reed diffusers and desert mist/charcoal diffusers. I also have car diffusers not only it smells great but it purifies the air quality.
• ZUMBA– There is Zumba in X-sport and different physical fitness places. I have a cousin who is Zumba instructor in Chicago. If you are in the area, let me know maybe you can see her. This is by far my favorite exercise through the form of dancing. Liveloveparty.tv is a channel in YouTube. The dance can be easily learned, good music with great dancers. Body movements produces serotonin and endorphins (happy hormones) that combat stress.
• YOGA– meditation, zoning body out through movements, breathing techniques. I have a co-worker and friend who does core power yoga and loves it. Maybe it something you want to try but for me I do basic yoga at home no head stand not that complex. Sun salutation, warrior pose, downward dog and many more. It can bring peace and calmness in your stressed mind and body. Namaste!
• CLASSICAL MUSIC/ NATURE SOUNDS– I listen to different types of music and it depends on my mood. I love classical music learned from my cousin when I’m brainstorming and blogging. I love nature sounds when I am trying to exercise, yoga and sleep. It slows heart rate and take pressure off pressure points.
• WATCH FAVORITE TV SHOWS– I love CSI, NCIS and Filipino TV shows. I remember before with my cousins, we were looking forward to watching Prison Break after school and work. The stress was how can we get home fast to watch. (Lol) I watch Glee shows (DVD) still in my apartment.
• DATE WITH GIRLFRIENDS– We have once in a month date trying different restaurants, spa, and escape factor. Catching up with my closest friends and sharing ventures, relationships, gossips, milestones and everything in between. I love date nights.

I wasn’t into shopping so I don’t really like retail therapy like others (mom and sister). The only time you see me in malls when I really need an outfit. I have set mind where to go not a cheapskate but practical. My mindset is you can wear anything with confidence branded or not, it will look great on you.

I have developed good stress busters for years because stress can create havoc in my entire being and condition. How about you? How do you de-stress? Let me know of ways you did to overcome it.

“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”—George Burns