Stomp Out Chronic Stress

by | May 1, 2020 | Wellness | 0 comments

Welcome to my April Freedom 20/20 Series: Stomp out  Chronic Stress.
During this season in the world, we could all use a visit or two (or 100) to the beach. Growing up in Miami, going to the beach was a treat. But here in Minnesota, “beach” has a whole different meaning. Whether you are close to the beach or the beach is part of your mental escape, either one works! The goal is to get to the beach (when they open) to STOMP OUT CHRONIC STRESS. Why is that so important?
According to the American Institute of Stress
Stress increases the risk of:
  • Heart disease by 40%
  • Heart attack by 25%
  • Stroke by 50%
Whoa, those numbers are staggering!  Stress is what I call a “silent killer.” You don’t see the effects until it is too late. Believe me, I have been there.  I didn’t realize that my fatigue, brain fog, irritability, lethargy, suppressed immune function, and other ailments were largely due to the chronic stress in my life.
“Little” stressors like finances, job responsibilities, raising kids, marriage, relationships, responsibilities, lack of sleep,  and worries, in general, all piled up. I didn’t understand the impact of daily stressors until I ended up with my first red flag: gestational diabetes.
I made the decision to prioritize my health
It caught me by surprise since I worked so hard to stay fit and eat well. I figured that was all that was needed to do. When it came around a second time, I made the decision to prioritize my health and I noticed significant changes. More energy, more patience, more productivity, and more time to do the things I enjoy.
After personally experiencing the negative effects of chronic stress and watching many people in my life suffer also suffer, I decided to make stress management and balance the primary focus of my aromatherapy clinical research and wellness care therapy for my clients.
The majority of the people that I have supported over the years have experienced the effects of chronic stress to some degree. By implementing a few lifestyle changes, I have been blessed to watch these people improve their wellness in just minutes a day.
Many of us wear more hats than we can count. I believe your time is precious.  Below I have listed a few simple, easy ways you can actively reduce the chronic stress in your life.
5 Ways to Reduce Chronic Stress

Get adequate rest – our bodies need rest to recover, replenish, and heal. This is one area I struggle with doing consistently but I make it my priority every day. I shoot for seven hours a night. Some people may need more.

Eat fruits and veggies and cut out the processed foods – help your body by feeding it good nutrients and cutting out the junk. It is amazing how good you can feel when you fuel your body with antioxidants and fiber-rich foods.

Exercise 5 days a week – exercise reduces stress levels and improves self-esteem. My daily workouts include some combination of interval cardio walk, Pilates, ballet HIIT, strength training, and stretching (more to come on this topic as part of my Freedom 20/20 series).

Change your mindset – quit the negative self-talk and start speaking truth into your life. (I love using scripture verses). A healthy mindset is where it all begins.

Take time to breathe – getting oxygen to the brain in deep breaths helps release tension. Inhale deeply for 5 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat.

Essential Oil Spotlight

So, what is my choice of essential oil for chronic stress relief? To be honest, it was very hard to pick just one. For me, it depends on the day. I will confess, that you will find me in my bathroom closet grabbing whatever oil I can get my hands on and practicing prayer, deep breathing, and a visit to the beach.

My client favorite: Young Living Stress Away blend. Stress Away is a popular blend that helps release the stress in the body, reduces muscle tension, reduces mental rigidity, and it has an inviting aroma that takes you to a beach where you can hear the waves crashing against the shore. Stress Away includes essential oils of Cedarwood, Lavender, Copaiba, Lime, and more with a hint of vanilla.

What are some ways you can use Stress Away essential oil daily?

  • Add Stress Away to bath salts with an emulsifier for a stress-relieving bath soak
  • Diffuse 4 drops of Stress Away, 2 drops Lavender and 2 drops Copaiba (family and client favorite).
  • Add two drops of Stress Away to 2 drops of carrier oil and massage into neck and shoulders to relieve muscle tension and relax the mind.
  • Add 1-2 drops into the palm of your hand, cup over your nose and mouth, and breathe deeply and exhale. Repeat 5 times.

Let’s work on intercepting that cortisol release in the body! It only takes minutes a day to make a BIG difference. Reduce chronic stress by implementing a few simple changes in your life to protect your body from the long-term negative effects of sickness and disease.

Don’t wait. Start now and STOMP OUT CHRONIC STRESS!

To schedule a session or to begin your essential oils journey, contact me, and mention Living Healthy List for a free 15-minute consultation. I am excited to meet you.

Choose JOY!

Letticia Callies

Letticia Callies

Dr. Letticia Callies (a.k.a. Dr. Joy) is on a mission to spread joy around the world. She helps people who are stuck or overwhelmed by helping them get the results they need to live out their joyful purpose. She uses a combination of evidence-based strategies to help you bounce back when you fall, empower and encourage you in your faith, improve your overall wellness, and help you discover more time to do what you love. Her joyful demeanor and compassionate communication help motivate her clients to make positive changes that simply become second nature.

Dr. Callies is the wife of her best friend for over 20 years; she is a mom to four boys and two girls. She is the founder of JOYFull Inspirations, LLC, an author, homeschool educator, worship dancer, and joy-lettering journalist. She enjoys spending time with her family, sampling tea, leading joy-handlettering Bible studies, and creating healthy recipes in the kitchen.

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