Relieve Stress with the Five Senses

Often we are so much in our heads when we are stressed that our thoughts and emotions become confused and stuck. When this happens stimulating your five senses can help to bring you back to balance.

One of my favourite five senses activities to relieve stress is going see a movie. Immersed in darkness to the exclusion of what I'm seeing and hearing on the screen, I'm also engaging my sense of taste while eating popcorn or drinking a frozen raspberry and I may also be engaging my senses of smell and touch to a lesser degree. I always feel better after seeing a movie, even if it's not always a happy ending.

You can have a lot of fun with five senses activities. Are you more of a visual person? Do you enjoy art galleries? Or do you enjoy music as a way to relieve stress? Perhaps indulge yourself with a deep relaxation massage with aromatherapy oils and soothing music, or a hot bubble bath with a fine glass of wine.

Or maybe you use food as a way to relax (beware of food addiction which is a way of self-medicating. Contact us for ideas on how to overcome food addiction).

Whatever your preference try to engage your playful and creative side as much as possible. Try a new interest, aromatherapy, gardening, clay sculpture or vegetarian cooking. Enjoy!