10 Ways to De-Stress

Artist Lea K. Tawd sitting in front of her painting entitled Guided.

I have been told that people come to me because I am a beacon of calm.  Given the type of art that I make and the fact that I practice reiki energy healing, that makes sense.  I have always been the one that people come to with their problems.  I am good at listening and seeing different sides of things, which can help people make sense of what they are going through. 

But what about when I am not okay?  As healers and empaths, we can forget that we also need support.  A lot of us have many tools at our disposal, but are we using them?  Are you?  Lately I have been really overwhelmed.  As a widow and a solo mom (not just single, but solo--this is something I'll write more about another time), all of the decisions are on me every day. I have been following politics very closely and it is adding a lot more stress. 

I have been realizing for some time that I need a better support system.

And yet I do have a lot of tools when I remember to use them.  I am sharing some of them here in case you could use them, too.  When we are calm and present in ourselves, we can build resilience, make better decisions, be more present in our relationships, and take better care of ourselves and others, and take action where it really matters. 

So here's my list (note--some of things may speak to you and some won't and that's ok!  This is a reminder to take what you like and leave the rest):

1. Make art!  I ALWAYS feel more like myself when I make art.  And before I lose you--you don't have to "be" an artist.  Have you ever heard of process-based art?  Process based art is just like it sounds--art that is all about the process and not about the product.  Scribble on a page, tear it up, burn it.  Throw some paint around a canvas.  Make a bunch of marks with crayons.  Write out your feelings and then paint over them.  It doesn't matter!  
2. Journal.  This has been a life-long (on and off) practice for me and it's almost as good as therapy.  Just like the art, don't worry about what you're writing.  It doesn't have to take a long time.  Just grab a pen and get your thoughts and feelings out of your brain.
3. Meditate. For me, this is not a good rescue technique.  When I am spinning out, there is no way that I'm going to be able to just start meditating.  But having a regular practice helps me stay grounded in general.  If you have a hard time meditating, try an app (I like Insight Timer a lot!) and listen to a guided meditation.
4. Reiki!  This one is obvious for me since I already practice reiki.  If you are also a practitioner, don't forget to give yourself reiki!  One of the more beautiful aspects of this healing modality is that you can give it to yourself.  But whether you are a practitioner or not, you can always get a session from someone else.  If money is a barrier, look for a local reiki circle or join one of my low-cost group reiki sessions.
   
5. Shake, walk or dance it out. Moving your body is a really great way to work through tough feelings.  Literally shake your arms and legs, dance, or choose any other form of movement that feels good to you.
   
6. Scream!  I sometimes practice a form of breathwork that involves a specific breathing technique for around 15-20 minutes, followed by SCREAMING! Preferably into a pillow so you don't scare your pets or your neighbors.  Ha!  I don't think this technique has a name, but you can do the screaming all on your own.  You may feel awkward, but it's an amazing release.
7. Hum or sing.  When I was early in grief after losing my husband, I learned that humming stimulates the vagus nerve, which calms your nervous system.  Much like screaming, this can feel really weird at first if you're not used to using your voice in this way.  But try it in your car or somewhere else where no one can hear you, and remember that you are alone.
   
8. Acupuncture.  Much like reiki, acupuncture is fantastic for relaxation and healing.  It has helped me manage my tendinitis and other aches and pains as well as grief and other majorly stressful life transitions.  Try a community acupuncture clinic for a low fee.
9. Therapy. This might seem obvious, but talking it out with a neutral party can really help.  Talking with friends is great, too, but having a regular date for venting and problem solving is incredibly healing.  And if medication seems like it would help, you'll need a professional to prescribe it.
   
10. Sleep. I'm putting this one here because it's something I'm really working on prioritizing.  Getting enough rest is like having a solid foundation for everything else to build on.

These are just some of the things I do to try and get or stay grounded and centered.  Some of them are more accessible than others depending on the situation.  What about you?  Do any of these speak to you?  What do you do to de-stress?