How to Soothe the Soul

Work, relationships and finances all affect your stress level. To combat the effects of elevated stress, it is important to find ways to relax and soothe your soul. Marathon work and home schedules can make this a challenge. However, making your emotional health and well-being a priority helps you be more successful at work and home because you are able to come from a place of peace and calm.

Instructions

• 1

  Listen to relaxing music or sounds. Jazz, classical, opera, contemporary Christian and gospel are common choices. Other examples are Celtic, New Age and electronic music. Find the genre that speaks to you. Also listen to soothing sounds such as ocean waves, rain or thunderstorms and sounds of the forest.

• 2

  Meditate regularly. Meditation involves sitting quietly and clearing the mind of all the "trash" that builds up from our daily interactions. Find a quiet place. Sit outside if possible to further soothe your soul by connecting to nature. If finding a quiet place is difficult in your home, and you have no way of going somewhere else, consider locking the bedroom or bathroom door and playing relaxing music or sounds to block out the background noise. Focus on a single image or thought. Do this for a few minutes daily.

• 3

  Practice yoga or tai chi. Tai chi, sometimes called "meditation in motion," is a form of exercise involving continuous gentle movement to relax the mind and body. Similarly, yoga is a form of exercise that involves stretching the body and calming the mind. Both have health benefits. You may choose to take a class at a local health club or check out a video from a movie rental store.

• 4

  Relax in a hot or warm bath. Light some scented candles or spritz your favorite cologne or essential oil into the water. Add some bubbles. Turn off the bright lights and allow the candles or a lamp to light the room. If you have a jetted tub, turn it on. Feel your body relax in the warm water.

• 5

  Practice a hobby or activity. If you enjoy being in the kitchen, cook food you and your family love or take a cooking class. If you like photography, take pictures of your children playing or snap nature photos at the park. Crochet a blanket for a new baby or elderly neighbor or paint abstract images on canvas. Whatever you enjoy, practice it regularly to maintain a peaceful equilibrium.