A Stressful and Anxious Week so far

 It's been an interesting week to say the least.  I won't go into details but as things have unfolded I've found my stress management skills tested like they haven't been in quite a while.

So I thought I'd revisit some thoughts on stress and anxiety and how to mitigate those little friends we all share.  First of all, many of you know you can use your pillow to help with stress and anxiety.  From the internet, there's this overview:

Pillows are a great tool for reducing stress and anxiety. When used correctly, the right pillow can help the body relax, allowing it to release tension and reduce stress. Pillows provide comfort and support for the head, neck, and shoulders, allowing them to rest in a more natural position. This can help to reduce neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches and migraines. Additionally, using a pillow can help to reduce anxiety by providing a sense of security and safety. Pillows can also provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, which can be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety. In summary, pillows can be a very beneficial tool for reducing stress and anxiety. They provide comfort and support, allowing the body to relax and release tension, while also providing a sense of security and safety.

Your pillow is so much more than just where you rest your head at night, and is so much more integral to your well-being.  Whether dealing with pain, stress, anxiety or trying to get a better nights sleep, your pillow is an important tool to all of that.  

The other avenue of stress and anxiety management is exercise.  My preferred outlet is a good walk in the woods.  A little time on the rowing machine or the punching bag works well for getting out pent up aggression.  Whatever the case, to the extent you are able, get some exercise.

Last but not least, and especially if exercise is not an option, do some breathing exercises.  This is another great way to manage stress and anxiety, even when your in the thick of it.  There's lots of ways but the basic premise is to take deep breaths and not shallow.  Breathe from your stomach and not your chest.  And open your chest up (stretch!) to fully fill your lungs.  Slow in and slow out.  Whether it's even count in and even count out, or something else, whatever works for you, do it.

It's a crazy world on many different fronts, from the front door to the front in Ukraine.  It all affects each of us to varying degrees and it's up to us to take the best care of ourselves that we can.

Peace.