Relieve Stress with the Five Senses

Often we are so much in our heads when we are stressed that our emotions become confused and stuck. When this happens stimulating your five senses can help to bring you back to balance. In particular the senses of touch, sound and smell to induce relaxation or uplifting states.

Try to include as many of your senses as you can when you use this strategy such as a relaxation massage with aromatherapy oils while listening to relaxing music or a hot bath, again with aromatherapy oils and perhaps a fine glass of wine.

One of the things I like to do is go see a movie when I'm feeling angry or upset. Immersed in darkness to the exclusion of what I'm seeing and hearing on the screen, I'm 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 the 5 senses, engage your playful side and enjoy!