Let's face it, bad days are going to happen. You know, those days when the tiniest of things can set a whole slew of stressful events into motion. Just like a hurricane, a preparedness kit is key. If they can't be avoided, then our best route is to have a plan for dealing when the time hits.
Check out my GPS guide so when they strike, you know how to get through it the way you know your Best Kept Self can (or at least until you can snuggle up and sleep it off).
Tools for the stressed-out soul:
1. Lavender oil
Carve out your own personal oasis by dabbing some lavender oil onto your wrists and temples for an immediate calming effect. It's wise to carry a small bottle of lavender essential oil in your handbag or work tote so that when you need a pick-me-up, you're only a few drops away.
2. Mantras to keep you motivated
Here's some of my favorites:
3. Change your environment
Sometimes you can't remove yourself entirely from the stressful situation, but you can alter your state by changing some small things around you. One easy place to start is a go-to upbeat playlist. Check out MoodFuse.com where you can find music based on your mood. Keep headphones in your work bag so you can do this in your office. Even just one song can start getting your mind moving in the right direction again. The next thing you can do is adjust your lighting. Get some natural light in by opening the blinds, taking a five-minute stroll outside, or purchase a small natural light that you can pop open at your desk. Lighting and music can change your mental state in just 60 seconds.
4. Put something good in your body
It's incredibly easy to reach for comfort food or a glass of wine when you're stressed out. In fact, our bodies crave sugar under times of stress. But you'll feel ten times better if you put something healthy in your system when you're feeling bad rather than junk food. Create new habits for yourself long-term by overcoming the urge to binge when you're stressed and instead reach for a snack that's nutritious. If you can do this during peak stressful moments, then you've most certainly got something to celebrate.
5. Watch funny videos
It's true that laughter really is the best medicine. Have you ever found yourself crying and then something totally cracks you up? It's a wonderful feeling to go from one extreme feeling to another. Have a stockpile of youtube videos on hand that you know always guarantee a good chuckle. Here's three of my favorites:
Shauna is an award-winning entrepreneur, public speaker, and founder of Best Kept Self, a digital media site for entrepreneurs focused solely on self-care. For more tips on self-care and mindfulness, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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HuffPost's GPS for the Soul app is based on two truths about human beings. First: We all have a centered place of wisdom, harmony and balance within us. Second: We're all going to veer away from that place, again and again and again. What we need is a great course-correcting mechanism -- a GPS for the Soul -- to help us find our way back to that centered place, from which everything is possible.
Because no one knows better than you what helps you de-stress and tap into that place of peace inside yourself, it's important for you to create your very own GPS guide -- a personalized collection of whatever helps you course-correct. Email us at GPS@huffingtonpost.com and we'll set you up with your very own HuffPost blogger account to share your guide on the site. If you're already a blogger, we encourage you to upload your personal guide today. We can't wait to see what you have to share.