When Mother’s Day is Stressful
To meet the moment, we have 3 strategies for managing any anxiety this holiday triggers. And bonus! They also works for non-familial pressures too.
1. Acupressure
Pericardium 6 is a calm the Shen acupuncture/pressure point— translation: it soothes the mind and reduces anxiety. PC6 also opens and unbinds the chest, which is helpful for times when anxiety presents as tightness in the chest or via heart palpitations. Sometimes anxiety can produce nausea as well, in which case PC6 can help on both fronts, since it’s also used for motion sickness.How to
Pericardium 6 is located on the palm side of the wrist a couple of inches toward the body in between the two tendons (palmaris longus & flexor carpi radialis) that run approximately down the center of the forearm. An easy way to find the point is to place three fingers across your wrist starting at the wrist crease, then look at the point where this line crosses between the two tendons.
After you find this area, you can apply consistent pressure on the point, as well as gently massage. And good news, the point is actually an area that allows for a little wiggle room with precision. The easy accessibility of this point means you can attend to PC6 in the car ride over, or at brunch itself. And yes, whenever you are in your dealing with your relationship with them.
2. Qi Gong
Qigong is a mind-body exercise form that uses meditation, breathing, and movement to increase energy and enable the body to heal itself. Qigong works toward resetting the body to neutral by releasing blockages in the energy flow— specifically, helping to deal with managing anger, stress, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts. The perfect antidote to this, oftentimes, stressful holiday.
‘Push the Monkey’ is a Tai Chi movement, widely known in Qigong and practiced as an individual exercise to open the chest and heart. With the main focus on the arms and chest it’s particularly good for balancing the heart and lungs, which can help to lift the mood and balance emotions.
How to
Lower the left foot to the ground and bring the body forward, circling it to the left. As the body circles to the left, open up both fists and pull both hands to the left rear by the side of the head. Both palms are facing each other with the left palm facing inwards while the right palm faces outwards. The hands appear to be holding a small ball. Step back with the left foot while pushing forward with the left palm and lowering the right hand so that it is above the right knee. The palm of the right hand faces the knee.
5 minute Practice [ VIDEO ]
20 minute Practice [ VIDEO ]
3. Herbs
Research suggests that several herbal supplements may be helpful in treating stress, anxiety, depression, and more. In fact, people have been using herbs for thousands of years to address numerous physical and mental health conditions.
There are a number of different ways to take herbal remedies for anxiety. Herbs can be taken as teas, tinctures, bitters, or supplements. You can also enjoy the benefits of herbs through essential oils, used in diffusers, or even added to baths.
Supernatural’s Nerveless Herbal Chews are a herbal remedy, in tasty chewable form, infused with specially blended herbal extracts for a calming and destressing experience. Imagine them as a strong cup of tea or tincture, in gummy form.
Photo: Qigong in Paris via Pinterest