LiveWell Vermont

Feeling stressed out? Can't sleep? Check out these ideas to help you relax in 5 minutes or less! 1.) Sip on a cup of tea. If it's early in the day, sip green tea (this has caffeine in it so don't drink it too late in the day). Green tea not only has a lot of antioxidants, but it contains compounds that can help you reduce anger. If it's later in the day, drinking herbal tea can help you relax. 2.) Meditate. 5 minutes of meditation is all it takes to feel the benefits. Find a comfortable spot in a quiet place and focus on your breath. Watch your stress and anxieties start to disappear. 3.) Try counting backward. If you're feeling stressed, frustrated, worried, or upset, try counting back from 10. Sometimes all it takes is 10 seconds to help you refocus your thoughts. 4.) Close your eyes. If your office or environment is chaotic, closing your eyes for a minute is an easy way to regain calm and focus. 5.) Squeeze a stress ball. This is an easy and por...

Starting your day off early can give you the opportunity to get in a workout, check off some to- do items, do some yoga, or relax with a cup of coffee or herbal tea before starting your day. The morning offers an opportunity to take some time for yourself before the buzz of the day begins. Did you know that a 20-minute moderate intensity workout in the morning can provide a brain boost for the following 12 hours? Morning exercise is a great use of your time.   Additionally, you can incorporate a few of these morning habits to get your day going on the right foot. 1.) Drink 16-ounces of water upon waking to re-hydrate from your 7-9 hours of sleep. 2.) Make your bed. Did you know making you bed in the morning is correlated with better productivity throughout the day? 3.) Eat a healthy breakfast. Your body needs fuel so it can tackle the day. 4.) Drink a cup of coffee/herbal tea while taking a few moments for yourself. 5.) Prioritize your day. Establish your top pri...

Aromatherapy scents are great for stress relief and relaxation. If you're looking to save some money, try making these aromatherapy candles at home! Ingredients/Supplies Needed: Beeswax or Soy Wax Essential oils and/or Fragrance (Lavender is a great scent for stress relief and sleep!) Double Boiler or Metal Bowl that you don't mind using for candle wax Wicks and Metal Wick Ends Mason jars or Heat proof jars/glasses Optional : Dye if you prefer your candles to have some color to them! Directions: Melt the wax using your double boiler or boil water and place your metal bowl on top to melt the wax.  Adhere wick to the container while the wax is melting. You can do this by placing a little melted wax on the bottom of the wick end and placing it in the jar.  Add essential oils and fragrance to the melting wax and stir. If you are using dye - this is a great time to add that. Cool for a couple minutes and then pour into containers. Let cool, then top o...