We are all feeling the strain lately. Combine living through a pandemic, civil unrest, back to school, and an election. I got stressed out just writing that. A few weeks back I had a particularly tense week and asked my readers on Instagram what the my do to de-stress. Here I’ve listed 15 ways to reduce stress – some from readers and some of my own.

Start with a hot shower or bath

Time permitting I like to soak in a hot bath. But, some days only a shower will do. Even if I can only squeeze it in while the girls are napping, a quick hot shower helps immensely.

Add some aromatherapy

I like to add a few drops of essential oils to the floor of the shower. I’ve heard amazing things about this Tata Harper Stress Treatment oil. If I’m taking a bath I like adding a lavender bath bomb.

Light a candle

I like to keep the lights off and just light a candle to help with tuning out the noise. Not only is this Voluspa candle beautiful, the lavender scent is perfect for helping you relax.

Grab a cold drink

I love the combination of an ice cold drink with a super hot shower. Add ten drops of this rescue remedy essence to a glass of water to help with fear, impatience, and focus.

Add some soothing sounds

For maximum relaxation, turn on some soothing sounds. The White Noise app has some great nature sounds. Or, listen to a story being read to you by someone with a soothing voice.

Use some luxurious bath products

As long as your trying to relax you might as well get clean with some luxurious products. I recently got a chance to try Necessaire’s line of clean bath products. Their products are pH balanced and loaded with vitamins to give your body the same TLC you give your face. Get 30% off your first purchase through my link here!

Put on a fluffy robe

Last year I bought myself this cozy robe as a postpartum gift to myself. Best purchase ever! Nothing feels better than a soft, fluffy robe after a hot shower.

Put some comfy slippers on while you’re at it

Another postpartum purchase that I’m totally thrilled with. After I had Margot my feet ached. I guess they were getting back to their normal size after being strained from pregnancy. I knew when I was pregnant with Ella I needed to get some slippers that were not only cozy, but also supportive. Since we’ve been spending most of our time at home I’ve ended up wearing these slippers every day for almost a year!

Give yourself a massage

I tend to carry stress in my neck, shoulders, and upper back. I love to foam roll after a hot shower. I’ve also heard amazing things about this Shiatsu massager!

Put on some comfy pajamas

I recently got a few pairs of bamboo pajamas from Cozy Earth. There’s a reason they’re one of Oprah’s favorite things! The bamboo fibers are sustainable, wicking, and help with temperature control. You can get 50% with my code – LAURENELIZ50!

Use some room spray

I like to continue the aromatherapy in my bedroom. This room spray adds a nice, soothing scent to the sheets before I climb in.

Curl up under a weighted blanket

Weighted blankets are said to relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality. This one has great reviews and adds weight without adding heat.

Read a good book

I have to force myself to turn away from the news and nothing holds my attention like a good book. When I’m feeling stressed I need to turn to something light and fluffy. I recently started American Royals and I’m loving it!

Or do something with your hands

Alternatively, sometimes it’s nice to do an activity. I recently ordered an embroidery kit on Etsy. I’m planning to learn how to embroider while listening to a book on Audible.

Try Yoga Nidra

When you’re ready for sleep, turn on some Yoga Nidra. Even though Yoga is in the title, there is no physical movement involved. Just lay down and get comfy and follow the guided meditation to get you ready for sleep!

Ok, I’m more relaxed just from writing that. I’m definitely adding some of these totems to my wish list. Do you have any relaxation tips that aren’t on my list?

It seems like everyone sets diet and fitness goals in the new year. Since becoming a mom I’ve been pretty inconsistent with diet and exercise (finishing whatever’s on your kids plate and falling into bed at the end of the day, anyone?). In November the new Shred415 location in Elm Grove, Wisconsin reached out to me and offered a month of free classes in exchange for social media promotion. I knew I needed to do something to get moving and feel better so I decided to try it out.

I was a little apprehensive at first. I’ve always been a yoga/pilates/walking kind of girl but I thought I could at least try it for a month. The workouts consist of four 15 minute intervals. You go back and forth from the treadmill to the “deck” where you do some weight activities. The instructor gives you directions for walking or running on the treadmill and the incline to set your treadmill at. On the deck portion of the workout the instructor gives you different moves to try along with modifications if needed.

To my surprise I actually really liked these workouts! I love the loud music and dark room. The intervals make the time go by fast. And I typically burn at least 500 calories per workout! These workouts are very efficient. I’ve been able to keep going at least once a week and I want to start going twice a week to see even better results.

The other thing I needed to change to feel healthier was my diet. The holidays did a number on me. Too many carbs and sweets and too much wine (still working on that one!). I felt really sluggish and awful and low energy and knew I needed to make some changes. I had been following Kelly Leveque from Be Well By Kelly for a while and was intrigued by her Fab 4 philosophy. When I saw her book Body Love on sale I decided to snag it.

Kelly teaches a way of healthy eating so that you are getting the proper proportions of protein, fat, fiber, and greens in every meal. This helps to balance your blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller longer. Balanced blood sugar in turn keeps you from craving carbs and sweets and then crashing at the end of the day.

I’ve been starting off every morning with a Fab 4 Smoothie that keeps me full until lunch time. For lunch I typically have a Fab 4 salad and for dinner we make sure to have a good balance of lean protein, healthy fat, and greens. I have felt so much better and have such better energy! I love that I can throw all of my smoothie ingredients in the blender every morning and sip my smoothie on my way to work. It’s the one thing I know I will definitely keep up with.

I can highly recommend Shred415 and the Fab 4 life if you are looking to feel better and take charge of your health. Losing a few pounds doesn’t hurt either! If you ever want to try out a Shred415 class feel free to hit me up!