Encouraging Health

Feeling overwhelmed? A quick liaison with lavender may help keep things under control.

Seems a scant 5 minutes of exposure to mild lavender aromas helps curb the release of cortisol — a key stress hormone that can prematurely age you by triggering inflammation.

Bonus Scents
In a recent study of Japanese co-eds, sniffing lavender not only lowered cortisol levels but also may have enhanced antioxidant activity in their bodies — a double blow to the aging process.

6 More Ways to Relax and Live Longer
Every little bit of stress busting helps your health. So in addition to lavender baths and aromatherapy kits, help kiss your stress goodbye with these tips:

Practice this do-it-yourself muscle relaxer:

Sit in a chair with your back straight, head in line with your spine, both feet on the floor, and hands resting on your lap. Tighten each muscle group and keep it tightened for 15 to 20 seconds. Then relax slowly and notice the difference between tension and relaxation.

It is best to start at the head and work down the body or start at the feet and work up.

Think it away:

Meditation may help control your vagus nerve, and controlling that sucker can help improve everything from your memory to your immune system.

So carve out a little time each day to meditate. Before bed is a good time, or when you feel stress is starting to get the better of you.

How to Meditate
The goal here is to clear your mind of all thoughts. Yep, all of ‘em.

The first step: Silence. Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably without being disturbed.

Step two: Close your eyes. You don’t have to do this to meditate — some people like to focus on an object — but closing your eyes may help you stay focused, especially when you’re just beginning.

To help clear your mind, pick a simple word (om really is a good one) and repeat it to yourself over and over. Slowly — there’s no rush. Savor the word until it fills your mind. Why? Focusing on one word helps keep distracting thoughts — like your to-do list — from seeping into your gray matter and stressing you out.

I use an automated release scent deodorizer that I put in canisters of lavender. It is soothing, especially when paired with a mug of Jasmine Tea!

Browse Encouraging Health for more relaxation techniques.