Tackle Monday with these DIY stress busters
Whether it's caused by work, family related or because of financial woes, we all deal with stress. And since proper stress management is crucial to our wellness, we're sharing 3 simple and unique DIYs you can do at home to bust that stress!
Calming glitter slime
Our first DIY is the calming glitter slime. This might sound totally weird, but playing with slime is actually very soothing. While most of us would probably relax and unwind with a glass of wine or a yoga class, there is actually an entire online community that puts their mind at ease by watching videos of slime and goo being squished and pinched!
What you'll need:
- Glitter glue
- ½ cup of water
- Liquid starch
Directions:
Mix the glitter glue and water. To thicken it, add 3 tbsp liquid starch and knead together with your hands for a minute until it turns to slime.
Why this stress buster works:
When your sensory channel is blocked or occupied, your experiences aren't as intense or vivid. In other words, when you're physically occupied with something (squeezing the stress ball) your mind isn't focused or concentrated on whatever is stressing you out. This is why some of the best stress reducers are physical activities.
Aromatherapy eye pillow
What you'll need:
- ½ cup of rice
- ½ cup of flax seed
- ½ cup of lavender buds
- Fabric for pillow
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix the ½ cup of rice, ½ cup of flax seed ½ cup of lavender buds together. If you want the scent to be really strong you can add a few drops of lavender oil. For the pillow, cut a piece of fabric measuring about 8" x 9" and fold it in half lengthwise. Sew the side seams together leaving the end open (you can also use hem tape). Turn the pillow right side out and simply spoon 1 ½ cups of filling into the pillow's open seam. Sew up the hole.
Why this stress buster works:
Light pressure on the eyeballs lowers your heart rate. Eye pillows are also known to relieve irritated, itchy and burning eyes caused by overexposure to television and sitting in front of computer screens. They can also sedate the nerves, relax the mind and balance the body. The finished eye pillow can be heated in the microwave or placed in the freezer and laid across as an eye mask. You can use a cooled eye pillow for migraines and headaches, too.
Bath bomb
What you'll need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid (makes it fizz when you put it in the water)
- ½ cup corn starch (makes your skin feel baby soft)
- 3 tbsp Epsom salt (relaxes your muscles)
- 1 tsp water
- 3 tsp coconut oil (to moisturize your skin)
- 5 drops Clary Sage essential oil (the wonderful floral aroma relaxes you, eases your tension, and lifts your spirits)
- 5 drops food colour, you can mix colours if you'd like
- Bath bomb mold
- Rose oil, chamomile, and ylang ylang are suggested oils to use, but you can really use anything you like
Directions:
First, separate your wet and dry ingredients and mix them really well. The second step is to mix your wet ingredients with the dry ones. The key is to do this slowly with a whisk – if it starts to foam, then you're going too fast. Next, pack your mixture into your mold. The last step is to let them set overnight; of if you want, you can freeze them for a few hours so that they maintain their shape.
Why this stress buster works:
Our bodies associate the horizontal position with relaxation and vulnerability. Essential oils help calm the body as well.