As a mom of kids, in the young adult stages, I’m faced with stress that I didn’t experience when they were younger. Sure I worried my three and four-year-old would get scraped knees as they learned to ride their bikes in our driveway. But that was nothing compared to the first time my son pulled his car out of the driveway for his first solo trip around town. Or the first time my middle son took his motorcycle for a spin. Or when my daughter called and told me she’d gotten a speeding ticket. Believe me, these years are filled with lots of prayer.
When my kids’ were little, and my husband and I planned a date night and hired a babysitter to sit with the children, I admit, there were times I found it hard to relax. That stress was nothing compared to the days leading up to my son’s departure for boot camp. Knowing that he’d be away with minimal contact is much harder than the days when I could call home and check on him. But thanks to snail mail, we made it through.
And let me tell you, gathering and turning in paperwork for college applications is so much more nerve-wracking than helping your child complete a science fair project. But the payoff is much greater.
Before you get the idea that I’m a walking mess, I assure you that I’m not always stressed. On the days when I am, one way I de-stress is to spend time outdoors, enjoying local, state and national parks. Just hand over my walking shoes and my camera and give me some time to enjoy the quiet solitude and amazing views.
There’s just something about fresh air and blue skies that relax me.
And if there happens to be a large body of water nearby,
Or a sunrise,
Or a sunset,
Well…that’s just a bonus.
When I travel with my family, or on a couples getaway with my husband, or when I go solo, a portion of our time is always devoted to spending time enjoying the outdoors. We need that bit of time to stretch our legs and clear our heads or we tend to get grumpy.
Sometimes, I simply enjoy sitting on my back deck, gazing across the yard. Especially when I get a glimpse of the heron that has staked a claim on the pond.
Spending time outdoors calms and relaxes me. But for those times when I need a bit of extra help, I turn to Bach RESCUE remedy – natural stress reliever.
RESCUE is a natural, homeopathic product that helps me stress less, stay calm and in control. Developed by a doctor, RESCUE is gentle, safe and non-habit-forming. Available in a variety of forms, RESCUE Pastilles, RESCUE Sleep Liquid Melts and RESCUE Pearls, these stress relief products are available at CVS, Walgreens, Whole Foods, Sprouts and other places you find natural products.
Available in a variety of forms, RESCUE Pastilles, RESCUE Sleep Liquid Melts and RESCUE Pearls, these stress relief products are available at CVS, Walgreens, Whole Foods, Sprouts and other places you find natural products.
What steps do you take to stress less?
© 2015 – 2020, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Avry says
Such beautiful scenic photos. I can’t wait for summer to be able to be outside a lot more. It’s amazing how nature can relieve stress.
Valerie Remy-Milora says
You got me at college aps! We completed the process a few months ago and now we are playing the waiting game… Stressful it is! I love to sneak out for a quick walk to de-stress and have a gracious four legged friend who is always eager to accompany me… Or there’s aerial fitness, my absolute favorite workout! I love RESUE Remedies. I grew up in France and have been using them for years!
Ellen ThatChicMom says
Oh my those views are breathtaking! Nature and taking walks is a way I destress too.
Jennifer H says
I prefer a homeopathec route as well. And I love getting outdoors. It always lifts my spirits!
Jeannette says
I recently tried these and I really liked them! Being outdoors is a big destresser for me but with this never ending winter it’s good to know that there are other options!
Crystal says
Going outdoors is a great way for me to de-stress as well. I’ve never taken anything to help me stress less, but this is an interesting idea. It’s so horrible for your health to be carrying around all that tension.
Marina says
Several things calm me when stressed…
prayer, listening to worship music, counting my blessings and tea!! Yes, cardamom tea to be specific!