Tips For Managing Stress

Back in the old days, (the office days that is) my team and I would take an hour out of our Mondays to unwind with yoga taught by our favorite wellness expert, Mollie Bridgeman. It was so rewarding to hold the calls, pause all work, and let our minds and bodies slow down for a bit. In an effort to share some tips and get back to that relaxing state of mind, I asked Mollie to answer a few questions about wellness and managing stress while being sequestered.

Tips for dealing with stress?

Mollie: Set a daily routine to help you feel grounded and organized. Schedule in as many breaks throughout your day as you can to either sit and breathe quietly or enjoy some time in your yard or garden (screen free!). The contemplative time gives nourishment and freedom for your mind and body, and often a new perspective. Exercises like yoga, daily, also help a great deal. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, just time for linking breath and movement to clear your system. We’re using aromatherapy a great deal at home as well - diffusing uplifting or centering essential oils, whichever is needed in the moment. Aroma has an incredible impact on emotions.

How to stay positive during this time of uncertainty?

Mollie: Check in with yourself regularly and become aware of your thought patterns and words. Language matters. See if you can shift into resiliency and creativity with each concern or hurdle. Let every day be an opportunity to move into a new capacity. When going gets tough, I like to take some quiet time, light a candle, place a hand on my heart and recite reassuring mantras in my mind such as “I am enough” or “I’m doing ok.”

Any new changes in your life since Covid started that you may keep even when restrictions let up?

Mollie: When quarantine ends I will plan to keep a more focused daily routine that regularly starts with the things I am most passionate about, letting them fuel the rest of my day. This includes non-negotiable allotted time working in the garden, a set time for my yoga mid-morning and work for my business following. In this way I feel nourished and ready to work. Efficiency with the household necessities feels nice too - less frequent trips to the shops, and longer lists so that we are set for the week. I’m liking one and done!