To lower stress, I take a walk outside by myself. There's nothing like a little sunshine on my face & wind in my hair to lower blood pressure & elevate the calm.
To lower stress, I walk around in my back yard without shoes on in the grass. Its called grounding and it helps me so much to just stand or sit and watch the world around me. We have a big back yard with lots of wild life so we watch the clouds, the birds, the rabbits, the squirls and anything else that is out and about.
I would love to do this, but in my area have lots of ticks and I'm afraid after my friend's family is suffering from Lyme from many years. We constantly treat the yard and wear body spray, but I'm not comfortable even to wear sandals at the grass.
@@alekfelis I'm from NZ and live in our capital city. I do this on Parliament lawns cos the lawn there is perfect. Could you do this on a publicly maintained lawn to get the benefit without the tick risk?
I never learned how to properly maintain a home growing up, and your channel is not only teaching me how - it’s making it FUN, easy, and sustainable. You’re doing God’s work out here girl, keep it up!!!
This! We live on a wooded property and I go outside and just listen to the hundreds of birds. It’s so soothing. If you go out first light it’s grounding to spend about 10 min connecting to the earth. And the Forest bathing is called “shinrin-yoku”. There is an interesting article National Geographic did a few years ago. But we all need to disconnect from our devices and spend more time in nature.
Having had chronic Lyme disease for decades, I'm a little paranoid about going into the forest, however I am a big advocate for forest bathing! I just use essential oils for their benefits. I'm just over a week post-op for a decompression L4-L5 fusion surgery and I'm already off Dilaudid because of my Mr Wonderful layering essential oils on me for pain (and mood supportive side benefits for us both)! The tree oils were a huge part of my getting off of the opioids and herb oils for getting my guts working again. PTL!
you talked about removing appliances off countertops if you don’t use them-i took my toaster oven off my counter based on this principle and the immediate relief i felt from having it off the counter was insane. i feel like i have a whole new kitchen because of it. thanks for the suggestion ❤
😂 The end story was a hoot, thanks for the laugh! If you love plants, that's great. But one of the most freeing moments I ever had was when I realized there is no rule that says you have to have houseplants. We have inexpensive fresh flowers from the grocery store instead.
Here's a hot tip, find some cuttings of a plant that loves to grow roots in water and then just keep it in a vase of water permanently! I have 2 massive vases of devils Ivy in water that are a year or 2 old. I also had a type of bamboo from my sisters garden that grew about 3 foot tall in a vase and I had it for like 5 years! Amazing super low maintenance way to have greenery inside 😅
I love going for a walk! No podcast, no music, just wandering around my neighborhood or a local nature area, observing the scenery around me, and letting my thoughts flow. It's lovely when you start to notice the small, gradual changes that come with each season. I've also observed that the speed I walk is often related to how stressed I am, and I've usually slowed down by the end. It's a good way to get out some nervous energy! (Instead of exercising, maybe consider it exorcizing 😈) And if you need extra motivation, maybe end your walk at a coffee shop or farmer's market, if you have anything like that.
Love the paw cleaner! I drew a big battery on a piece of paper, and observed how I felt during one week. On the negative end I noted what pulled energy from me, and on the positive end I noted things that fueled me. That made very clear what to do less (ironing everything, listen to negative people complaining about things, not being able to say no....), and what to do more (bicycling, take a walk, reade a book, delegate chores, and watch videos from Cas 😉) . Greetings from Germany (and please excuse my english)
Flowers are not expensive. Big massive arrangements are expensive. Spend $5 at Walmart or Aldi every other week or so and you can have fresh flowers in the house all year long. I started doing this about 6-7 years ago and it makes my heart so happy every time I look at them.
Something that relaxes me is to do an "upside down day" that's what I call it when my lowest, most overlooked goals get to be my top priorities for the day (get out a rarely used but fun game or toy and play with my kids, make something like a drawing or make up a story, sew on a button for something I've been wanting to wear, etc. It feels so good!
I always change all of my fabrics (sheets, bedspreads, curtains, towels, throw rugs, etc) to lighter, more airy colors in spring, automatically lifting my spirits.
My favorite de-stresser is to pet a fur baby - your own or one you encouter while out and about. Bonus points for those that purr, sigh contentedly, or nestle in closer for more snuggling surface contact.
That would add stress for me. I think animals are dirty. I feel like everything they touch is dirty. Also, I’m highly allergic to cats. But, if that helps you, great.
First of all, you look FABULOUS today Cas! (that dress ☺). Just an idea for someone who wants to experience the joy of gardening without too much commitment...purchase a cherry tomato plant! That's what did it for me 😊. You will still have the responsibility of watering it (yeah, I even took it with us camping last year 😀) but the joy of picking off a handful of those little tomatoes that you grew yourself and placing them in your salads every few nights will actually fill you with a sense of joy and accomplishment. And the taste! You will NEVER buy cherry tomatoes in the grocery store again. This year I'm planning to get an even larger one! Great video, as always!
You may not be able to keep plants alive but you kept kids alive! I always tell myself that when im lamenting over my lack of a green thumb. I had a basil plant last summer and i killed and revived it over and over the whole summer 😅
When I listen to music, it makes me happy. And I’m happy to watch you, Dana and Dawn. You have been such a help to an older person who is struggling through all my clutter and deceased family members and FlyLady is a big help too. Watching you young people be so cheery and helpful makes me happy.
I'm an older person too, learning from these gifted young people just like you are! I also have boxes from deceased family members, and due to the grief it's hard to touch. Thanks for posting, I wish you the best!
😊 Deep Breathing makes a huge difference. Slowly inhale through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then Exhale through your mouth…. Do that a few times, and you’ll notice tension easing up…. And things feeling a little calmer. And I have been listening to “Sleep Stories” from Michelle’s Sanctuary…. And they’ve made a big difference in my overall mental health.
Fun indoor plant tip from a more seasoned gardener: they sell grow light bulbs you can put into a lamp fixture. All my lamps in my plant areas are grow lights. I turn them on every morning when I’m getting ready and off when I go to bed and I have indoor plant areas that are my everyones favorite spots in the house. One is in my bedroom and the other is in my bathroom. I have cats so I pack all my plants into the same areas to reduce digging and eating them. I wish I could put a picture here but just trust me when I say you’d love my indoor gardens.😊
That dress looks great on you. I agree about having plants in the home. It just adds a freshness to the space. When I am stressed I sit for a few minutes and try not to think about the annoying things that getting me down. I realize that this part of my life will eventually pass. I can handle it because I’ve been through worse and have survived. I might read or watch an inspirational video.
That story at the end was hilarious! 😂 Something I love to do in the spring is open the blinds/curtains in the morning to let in more sunlight. I can see all the green outside and it just lifts my mood.❤
To relax I take a bath and read a book. I also love sitting on the couch with my heating pad on my back and my feet in my foot massager while watching Clutterbug videos. Seriously, you are awesome!! 🎉
One of my favorite simplification strategies is mini-habits! Instead of feeling like I need to work out for 30 minutes three times a week, I do exercises for 10 minutes each day. Instead of practicing piano for 20 minutes at a time, I practice for 5--that's what I actually have time for without stressing about it, and that helps me actually maintain habits that keep me happy and fulfilled without stressing about time. (Also I'm a huge fan of audiobooks while I'm cleaning, exercising, or dirving--I focus on the book and forget I'm doing things that would otherwise feel like effort.) Thanks for a great video!!
Retired now, but when I worked, I brought shorts, tee shirt, and flip flops to work. Changed before I left and the drive home felt great! No more trudging into the house hot and tired and wanting to shed those work clothes. Already done!
I love the plant idea. I don't water often. I put them all in the tub, give them shower and let them soak for a few hours. Destresser - going to prayer groups at churches and ladies Bible Studies. I especially enjoy praying with people right there and then when they are talking about their problems. The Lord's Prayer is very peaceful for me especially when I'm driving in my car and going to a stressful place.
I open all the windows everyday year round in my house for at least 15 minutes. Even in cold weather or the broil season here in Texas. Since doing this, my allergies are gone.
I found a cleaning schedule that suited me and printed it out and try to follow it. I don't always do everything every day but try to work according to the schedule. I am retired and don't have children at home anymore so my schedule doesn't include doing for children. I really like it. It suits me.
To relax? Turn the music up and pump music that is fast paced and makes me smile. Sing along and dance as I do mundane chores. It makes thing go by so much faster. Like sometimes when I'm in a mood I'll put off something simple like emptying the dishwasher because I feel like it will take forever but when I turn on some tunes and just start I often find that I'm done before the end of the first three minute song! What a way to feel accomplished but not rushed!!
While it may not be calming for some, I love turning on some music and getting up to dance/shake my thing. I’m not talking full metal head more a happy Pharrell kinda dance groove 💃🏼 It really helps shake the stress away and keeps me in a peaceful place 🌺🌴
I love going on hikes. But what helped my stress getting through this semester in collage was knowing i was going back home to Louisiana for a week to visit family as soon as school is over for nyself and my kids. So having something to look forward to is a must in my book.
I sit on my porch after dinner (which means the closing of the kitchen for the night😉) and listen to the birds, see the flowers, and relax do nothing! Ahhh, pure bliss!
Hammock! My relaxation is my hammock! Lay there and listen to the birds or an audiobook! I also have trained my kids that if they walk by they need to gently push me so I can swing while in there 😂
Reading is definitely my stress reliever. I enjoyed your comment about not wearing black every day....thank goodness! I do like your dresses and would like to swap my jeans for dresses ❤ Enjoy your day!
Also, opening a window and letting in some fresh air in the spring before it gets too hot is nice. Listening to the sounds of nature like the breeze or birds chirping.
HAPPY TIPS 😃Keeping a list of accomplishments and compliments to mindset shift when feeling down. Creating sassy fun phrases to counteract negative thoughts (cognitive behavioral techniques in general). Helping someone. Taking one small action towards a goal (Success is a Vitamin!). Smiling and laughing (the physical act, even without a joke). Sunshine, nature, puppies, dancing...😻
They ate daffodil bulbs! Oh my!! Bless their hearts! A few things that can help my stress level: prayer, walking outside, flower gardening, playing with kids, and playing with animals. 😊
😂 love the story at the end!! Hope your parents didn't get sick. I also love your new wall painting and your hair cut!! The living room looks so fresh and you look younger!! I'm definitely doing the "Don't Do" list. My grandson that I'm raising mowed our 3 acres yesterday. He felt good looking over the yard and knowing he did it. I felt so proud of him and Thankful because I twisted my ankle and I'm still recovering. I de-stress by watching inspirational videos, calling a friend, getting my blankets and cuddling up with my cat or dog. Listening to music and singing (I can't sing but do it anyway😅). Having my place clean is very relaxing! Thank you Cas for the great content every week!!
To help me relax, I take a bath every three days. Showers take up more water anyway. And a bath makes me slow myself down. I like your lavender idea! I may add that to my bath too!
Be aware that everyone responds differently to Lavender. It can jazz up some (me) and essential oils have high propensity for pollutants. I chose essential oils for their purity, chemical properties (anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, decongestant, digestive, neuroprotective, steroidal, etc.) besides whether I like their smells.
Ha! That story is hysterical! My favorite stress reducer is not exercise, just strolling. Strolling in the spring sunshine with the birds chirping and signs of life everywhere is so invigorating!
I take time in the morning to enjoy my coffee and watch the hummingbirds at a feeder outside....of course, I'm retired! Also, I like playing soothing background music while doing chores around the house...call me corny, but I usually pick "Soundscapes"!!! I agree about having plants and flowers to add peace to your home. I'm an African Violet nut. And, I've been accused of trying to make a jungle at times in certain areas of my home. Having a cute dog around would also make me happy, but, since losing our 10 year old dog a few years ago, my husband and I haven't made the commitment to get another dog as we are traveling often. Someday, though. Thank you, Cass for all your videos...
Great closing story! Haha. Pacing myself has been a game changer for me this spring. If it normally takes 10 steps I try to pace myself slower to 15 steps, for example. The Alexander Technique has a very helpful segment on UA-cam for relaxation and coming off the adrenaline so many of us run on from day to day. Hope that helps someone!
I love the dresses! I also discovered the joys of having a couple of pots of mixed herbs. Walking out on the back deck to snip some herbs for dinner is so lovely. The other thing I do to lower stress is to *try* to keep the front hall tidy. We have a shoe explosion there most days and an area rug that is scrunched to the side and covered in detritus 😆 A quick tidy each day, lighting a nice candle and putting away all the other stuff just makes the house feel better.
My kids were doing their own laundry at age 8. Age 9 they could do the weekly house clean entirely by themselves. It started when they were crawling. If they could get toys out, they could put them away. One is a commercial cleaner, the other is a restaurant inspector.
I Love swinging on our covered swing, that our kids bought us a few years ago. It is the most relaxing thing to lay on it and read a book or watch a You Tube video. So glad, winter is over so I can get outside and swing and relax!! Housework can wait!! 😊 ❤
Funnily enough I cleared off my small galley kitchen counters yesterday morning. I've been admiring them ever since! I'm hoping I can keep them this way for longer this time as stuff tends to creep onto them 🙃
I get up at least an hour before I have to start getting ready to go anywhere. I need the time to gather my thoughts, watch a little you tube and plan my day before I have to run out the door.
😂 that was funny. I hope they don't get sick. I like to watch something funny, listen to music, read a good bk and call a friend to talk about nothing,laugh with them. Thank you for the reminder.❤ The idea of what not to do.😊
It is finally nice enough to sit out on our back porch. So I enjoy taking time to sit out there and listen to the birds chirping away or watch them feeding. We have hummingbirds, orioles and well as a number of other common birds. Soooo peaceful.
I'm part of the take back group - Love listening to you on UA-cam and Listening to books while I do other things to relax and sometimes "body double" Love your sense of humor.
Cas your hair looks so pretty! I love to knit, crochet, or do cross-stitch to relax. I also love to garden and plant flowers for the butterflies and hummingbirds. I enjoy it but it can be hard on my body. I have way too many plants inside of our house. But they're my living decorations. ☺️🥰
My calming moment... buying a great "tranquil" or "spa tea" and making time for make a cup and force myself to take a few moments to enjoy it.. perhaps while watching my favorite youtubers 😊
Thanks for these tips!!! My number 1 to reduce stress is exercise 😂 sorry. But if exercise won’t happen, it’s incredible what just 5-10 minutes of stretching can do. It forces us to slow down, and take deep breaths. I never think of stretching on my own, so I find it helpful to follow along with a 5-10 minute stretch video. Try it first thing in the morning, or in the evening before bed,..it’s so calming :)
I have never been a big exercise person, except for walking dog etc. But the last 8 weeks I've done my rebounder every morning. And I've lost weight. And I feel better. 🎉 So, I concur. 😊
That’s awesome!!! So happy it makes you feel better too :) Every little bit counts. Whenever I don’t feel like stretching or exercising I just try to remember how much better I’ll feel 😌
Yes at least stretching feels so amazing and makes anxious me relaxed enough to sleep! My favorite stretch routine these days ua-cam.com/video/g_tea8ZNk5A/v-deo.html
I live in Michigan, and like you, I live most my year in the cold. I tend to get SAD. My daughter bought me one of those lights to sit under for 15 min that mimic sunlight. The one good thing, it makes me sit down and read. I turn the lamp off after times up, but I usually continue reading for a while longer! My summer stress reducing method is hours carving out new gardens. The flowers and the colors are just so fun! I can be outside a lot, and make my yard pretty at the same!
Great outfit. Love your hair. I really appreciate your suggestions for incorporating fake plants and seasonal decor into my home. It has made tackling paper clutter much more tolerable.
I open windows, diffuse essential oils & typically light a candle every morning to help my family start the day calm & enjoyable. I typically do the same in the evening.
Every morning I relax by watching my favorite you tubers EVERY morning while drinking my coffee. Yes Cas, love yours and Dawns videos. I’ve been in the TYHB group since it started and it’s helped me so much.
When I need to relax, I light a scented candle and listen to some soft piano or guitar music. It's sooo relaxing and in the fall I switch on the fireplace.
I like my bird feeder that has suction cups and I stick it onto my kitchen window! I also enjoy reading the Bible at night before bed to bring my heart rate down and help me relax💕✝️🙋🏻♀️
My No. 1 stress killer is music. Listening to it or even better playing the piano myself and maybe singing is the most calming thing for me. There's no room for anything else in my head while playing, I guess that's what's so great for me.
Love all your tips. I started years ago with the faux flowers. Brightens every room. This year I’ve slowly been bringing in more greenery. I love it. I agree… we all need more peace & serenity in our lives. I listen to spa music as soon as I get home from work, to unwind.. at night I use room spray and serenity essential oil in my diffuser and on the bottom of my feet. I sleep like a baby… ready for the next day!!
I recommend spider plants. Thats what I started with. And I can kill bamboo (how is that possible, it sits in water lol). Spider plants do well with just some light, 1 cup of water a week (fluoride free, so not from the tap unless filtered) and you have a pretty plant. Eventually it will even produce pups which makes it even fuller or you can pick them off with their root cluster and put in water to propagate and make more plants. I now have moved onto more plants but thats where I started.
I take one minute at least outside looking at the fresh spring green on the trees and listening to the birds and think of nothing else except how beautiful spring is.
Great episode. Thanks for all your helpful tips! Sometimes in winter or spring I change the lightbulb in my reading lamp with a "grow" lightbulb (like for potted plants). It's amazing how good it feels to sit under one and read. :)
I just pulled up my bulbs and dried them out and put them in a paper bag to store them over the summer to plant in the fall. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has to worry about forgetting what they are and cooking them. They look an awful lot like garlic lol. 6 months is a long time for me to remember something.
I mean...yoga for relaxation is like sneaky exercise? You're stretching, but also meditating, and there is no wrong way to do it. One of my favorite yoga teachers would always say "you do YOUR yoga." Also, just taking a walk. Or, being outside! I love the Garden for relaxing, whether weeding it or just staring at it! 😅
@@Clutterbug it's the effect of the green! Just like plants of the real or fake variety, there must be some ancient lizard brain thing that says, "ooo, nature good!" 🤣
A big stress reducer for me is sitting outside and reading a book. Obviously, the weather needs to be good, but living in Florida, there is almost always sun during the day. I highly recommend it. An alternative is a comfy chair, a good book, and no other sound in the house.
Love this episode 😊 So many great ideas. Something that helps me with stress is to plan my day the night before. Take a few minutes and write down the six most important things and plan of action. Also, can you point me toward the “clear clutter challenge” you mentioned?
It isn't a formal challenge, just me challenging you right now! Clear off your counters! Find homes for everything you don't use at least once a day! Try it for just one week!
Best tip for lowering stress.. get out in nature every single day. I'm also big time into freshwater aquascaping, so I have nature inside of my home as well.
Hi Cas. I love your videos and am so grateful to you ❤️ I love the idea of the don't list. I'm always yes to everyone so need to learn to say no sometimes. I'm going to try the herbs on my window sill, i have some fake plants as I'm a nightmare keeping plants alive 😊 i joined your membership yesterday ❤🦋🐞 think I'm more of a butterfly 🦋
To feel more happy and relaxed, I hung a disco ball into my window. Now every time the sun shines, lots of light sparkles fill up the room. I feel instant happy when it happens. Maybe not everyones type of tea, but it makes me happy (even if i have to dust the ball, it is worth it) 🤩🤩🤩🤩
I’m with you Cas, these little things make a positive difference in our lives and homes. I would add music to your list… soft not loud, any genre that suits you. It adds so much to my mood and the peaceful, welcoming, happy vibe in our home.
There are so many things that can help lower stress levels. Gratitude is proven to change neurotransmitter levels in your body (lower norepinephrine and adrenaline, and raise GABA, which makes us feel safe, secure, and helps us feel confident). If it's nice outside, I like to go for a stroll (not a powerwalk). I stopped drinking coffee, and that helped a lot! And of course, not having clutter everywhere is so helpful, as well.
To lower stress, I take a walk outside by myself. There's nothing like a little sunshine on my face & wind in my hair to lower blood pressure & elevate the calm.
Just reading that sounds calming.
Me too! Almost every day! ❤
Yes!!! Get outside!
Absolutely a must every day no matter the weather
Not exercise but walking around the neighborhood looking at flowers works for me. Pollen is not my friend inside but outside? Awesome.
To lower stress, I walk around in my back yard without shoes on in the grass. Its called grounding and it helps me so much to just stand or sit and watch the world around me. We have a big back yard with lots of wild life so we watch the clouds, the birds, the rabbits, the squirls and anything else that is out and about.
Great idea.
Just don't step on a Bee 🐝☺️
I would love to do this, but in my area have lots of ticks and I'm afraid after my friend's family is suffering from Lyme from many years. We constantly treat the yard and wear body spray, but I'm not comfortable even to wear sandals at the grass.
@@alekfelis I'm from NZ and live in our capital city. I do this on Parliament lawns cos the lawn there is perfect. Could you do this on a publicly maintained lawn to get the benefit without the tick risk?
@@francoiselafferty-hancock5112 the truth is that I'm not sure. I'm not saw someone to do it, but wasn't looking for that before.
I never learned how to properly maintain a home growing up, and your channel is not only teaching me how - it’s making it FUN, easy, and sustainable. You’re doing God’s work out here girl, keep it up!!!
When I'm stressed I love going to the woods. I love everything about the woods. The smell, the sounds of birds and wind in the trees and the solitude.
I was just reading an article about that. It's called forest bathing and its been proven to lower stress.
This! We live on a wooded property and I go outside and just listen to the hundreds of birds. It’s so soothing. If you go out first light it’s grounding to spend about 10 min connecting to the earth. And the Forest bathing is called “shinrin-yoku”. There is an interesting article National Geographic did a few years ago. But we all need to disconnect from our devices and spend more time in nature.
Having had chronic Lyme disease for decades, I'm a little paranoid about going into the forest, however I am a big advocate for forest bathing! I just use essential oils for their benefits. I'm just over a week post-op for a decompression L4-L5 fusion surgery and I'm already off Dilaudid because of my Mr Wonderful layering essential oils on me for pain (and mood supportive side benefits for us both)! The tree oils were a huge part of my getting off of the opioids and herb oils for getting my guts working again. PTL!
That sounds lovely and reminds me of how much I loved the woods next to my Gram’s house. Sadly that property is no longer in the family.
you talked about removing appliances off countertops if you don’t use them-i took my toaster oven off my counter based on this principle and the immediate relief i felt from having it off the counter was insane. i feel like i have a whole new kitchen because of it. thanks for the suggestion ❤
Im always Amazed how much calmer I feel when the sandwich press is away. My mum even puts away her kettle and toaster!
I do the same thing with my coffee pot & toaster every morning. Now I hate how cluttered my counter looks when they're out!
😂 The end story was a hoot, thanks for the laugh! If you love plants, that's great. But one of the most freeing moments I ever had was when I realized there is no rule that says you have to have houseplants. We have inexpensive fresh flowers from the grocery store instead.
:)
I just do fresh flowers as well.
I'm exactly the opposite my house is a jungle I'm obsessed with plants.
Here's a hot tip, find some cuttings of a plant that loves to grow roots in water and then just keep it in a vase of water permanently! I have 2 massive vases of devils Ivy in water that are a year or 2 old. I also had a type of bamboo from my sisters garden that grew about 3 foot tall in a vase and I had it for like 5 years! Amazing super low maintenance way to have greenery inside 😅
I heard a very similar story about tulip bulbs?😂🤢
I love going for a walk! No podcast, no music, just wandering around my neighborhood or a local nature area, observing the scenery around me, and letting my thoughts flow. It's lovely when you start to notice the small, gradual changes that come with each season.
I've also observed that the speed I walk is often related to how stressed I am, and I've usually slowed down by the end. It's a good way to get out some nervous energy! (Instead of exercising, maybe consider it exorcizing 😈)
And if you need extra motivation, maybe end your walk at a coffee shop or farmer's market, if you have anything like that.
I relax in my flower gardens. Nothing better than fresh air and pulling weeds! I get all of my serious thinking done there.
Love the paw cleaner!
I drew a big battery on a piece of paper, and observed how I felt during one week. On the negative end I noted what pulled energy from me, and on the positive end I noted things that fueled me. That made very clear what to do less (ironing everything, listen to negative people complaining about things, not being able to say no....), and what to do more (bicycling, take a walk, reade a book, delegate chores, and watch videos from Cas 😉) . Greetings from Germany (and please excuse my english)
This is a fantastic idea!
I love this idea!
Greetings from Indiana, USA! Your English is PERFECT! 😄👍
Thank you all 😘
Your English was great! And much better than a lot of people born in North America.
Flowers are not expensive. Big massive arrangements are expensive. Spend $5 at Walmart or Aldi every other week or so and you can have fresh flowers in the house all year long. I started doing this about 6-7 years ago and it makes my heart so happy every time I look at them.
Something that relaxes me is to do an "upside down day" that's what I call it when my lowest, most overlooked goals get to be my top priorities for the day (get out a rarely used but fun game or toy and play with my kids, make something like a drawing or make up a story, sew on a button for something I've been wanting to wear, etc. It feels so good!
that's a neat idea!
I love this idea!!
I find that when I eat well, I have sustained energy for everyday and it lowers my stress.
Prayer is what I do for myself to relieve stress. That dress looks so not only nice but high end.
So glad you mentioned prayer!❤
I always change all of my fabrics (sheets, bedspreads, curtains, towels, throw rugs, etc) to lighter, more airy colors in spring, automatically lifting my spirits.
My favorite de-stresser is to pet a fur baby - your own or one you encouter while out and about. Bonus points for those that purr, sigh contentedly, or nestle in closer for more snuggling surface contact.
That would add stress for me. I think animals are dirty. I feel like everything they touch is dirty. Also, I’m highly allergic to cats. But, if that helps you, great.
Yes!!!!
Yes, I really miss having my cat curled up in my lap. It was so relaxing and forced me to be still.
First of all, you look FABULOUS today Cas! (that dress ☺). Just an idea for someone who wants to experience the joy of gardening without too much commitment...purchase a cherry tomato plant! That's what did it for me 😊. You will still have the responsibility of watering it (yeah, I even took it with us camping last year 😀) but the joy of picking off a handful of those little tomatoes that you grew yourself and placing them in your salads every few nights will actually fill you with a sense of joy and accomplishment. And the taste! You will NEVER buy cherry tomatoes in the grocery store again. This year I'm planning to get an even larger one! Great video, as always!
Glad you like it!
Good idea! I used to plant a whole garden, and cherry tomatoes seemed to be my specialty! Maybe I should try planting one or two this year.
@@tgayer1 I just buy one big enough to sit in a pot on my deck. Works like a charm (well, once I figured out how to keep it from tipping over).
Beefsteak tomatoes are so delicious too. They are a tiny bit sweet, and taste amazing. They really grow almost like a weed-so easy.
You may not be able to keep plants alive but you kept kids alive! I always tell myself that when im lamenting over my lack of a green thumb. I had a basil plant last summer and i killed and revived it over and over the whole summer 😅
When I listen to music, it makes me happy. And I’m happy to watch you, Dana and Dawn. You have been such a help to an older person who is struggling through all my clutter and deceased family members and FlyLady is a big help too. Watching you young people be so cheery and helpful makes me happy.
I'm an older person too, learning from these gifted young people just like you are! I also have boxes from deceased family members, and due to the grief it's hard to touch. Thanks for posting, I wish you the best!
😊
Deep Breathing makes a huge difference. Slowly inhale through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then Exhale through your mouth…. Do that a few times, and you’ll notice tension easing up…. And things feeling a little calmer.
And I have been listening to “Sleep Stories” from Michelle’s Sanctuary…. And they’ve made a big difference in my overall mental health.
Fun indoor plant tip from a more seasoned gardener: they sell grow light bulbs you can put into a lamp fixture. All my lamps in my plant areas are grow lights. I turn them on every morning when I’m getting ready and off when I go to bed and I have indoor plant areas that are my everyones favorite spots in the house. One is in my bedroom and the other is in my bathroom. I have cats so I pack all my plants into the same areas to reduce digging and eating them. I wish I could put a picture here but just trust me when I say you’d love my indoor gardens.😊
That dress looks great on you. I agree about having plants in the home. It just adds a freshness to the space. When I am stressed I sit for a few minutes and try not to think about the annoying things that getting me down. I realize that this part of my life will eventually pass. I can handle it because I’ve been through worse and have survived. I might read or watch an inspirational video.
Thanks!
I swear I saw that dress on Amazon yesterday! 😱
Need link to where to buy said dress ❤
That story at the end was hilarious! 😂 Something I love to do in the spring is open the blinds/curtains in the morning to let in more sunlight. I can see all the green outside and it just lifts my mood.❤
I love walking barefoot in the grass. That connection with the ground is very refreshing. ❤
I knit. It's rhythmic. Meditative. Calming. Sometimes I knit just to knit, and sometimes I knit to make something. Bonus!
Just sitting and watching nature....birds, flowers, clouds or walking in nature.....even if just a backyard garden.....it's very relaxing.
For sure.
To relax I take a bath and read a book. I also love sitting on the couch with my heating pad on my back and my feet in my foot massager while watching Clutterbug videos. Seriously, you are awesome!! 🎉
I love the sound of water, so I made a fountain for the back yard. It is also relaxing to watch the birds coming and going.
One of my favorite simplification strategies is mini-habits! Instead of feeling like I need to work out for 30 minutes three times a week, I do exercises for 10 minutes each day. Instead of practicing piano for 20 minutes at a time, I practice for 5--that's what I actually have time for without stressing about it, and that helps me actually maintain habits that keep me happy and fulfilled without stressing about time. (Also I'm a huge fan of audiobooks while I'm cleaning, exercising, or dirving--I focus on the book and forget I'm doing things that would otherwise feel like effort.) Thanks for a great video!!
Getting outside and fully away from screens is great to lower my stress levels.
Retired now, but when I worked, I brought shorts, tee shirt, and flip flops to work. Changed before I left and the drive home felt great! No more trudging into the house hot and tired and wanting to shed those work clothes. Already done!
I love the plant idea. I don't water often. I put them all in the tub, give them shower and let them soak for a few hours. Destresser - going to prayer groups at churches and ladies Bible Studies. I especially enjoy praying with people right there and then when they are talking about their problems. The Lord's Prayer is very peaceful for me especially when I'm driving in my car and going to a stressful place.
Super simple, but open windows and let in sunshine and fresh air 😊
I open all the windows everyday year round in my house for at least 15 minutes. Even in cold weather or the broil season here in Texas. Since doing this, my allergies are gone.
I found a cleaning schedule that suited me and printed it out and try to follow it. I don't always do everything every day but try to work according to the schedule. I am retired and don't have children at home anymore so my schedule doesn't include doing for children. I really like it. It suits me.
To relax? Turn the music up and pump music that is fast paced and makes me smile. Sing along and dance as I do mundane chores. It makes thing go by so much faster. Like sometimes when I'm in a mood I'll put off something simple like emptying the dishwasher because I feel like it will take forever but when I turn on some tunes and just start I often find that I'm done before the end of the first three minute song! What a way to feel accomplished but not rushed!!
Sometimes I put on my Jammie’s & go to bed an hour early with a good book. ❤
Thank you so much I needed to hear your voices relax breathe enjoy take your time.
While it may not be calming for some, I love turning on some music and getting up to dance/shake my thing. I’m not talking full metal head more a happy Pharrell kinda dance groove 💃🏼 It really helps shake the stress away and keeps me in a peaceful place 🌺🌴
I love going on hikes. But what helped my stress getting through this semester in collage was knowing i was going back home to Louisiana for a week to visit family as soon as school is over for nyself and my kids. So having something to look forward to is a must in my book.
I just LOVE YOU!!! Love your honest, transparent, quirkiness at times… it’s refreshing! God bless you! 🙏🥰😘
:)
I sit on my porch after dinner (which means the closing of the kitchen for the night😉) and listen to the birds, see the flowers, and relax do nothing! Ahhh, pure bliss!
Hammock! My relaxation is my hammock! Lay there and listen to the birds or an audiobook!
I also have trained my kids that if they walk by they need to gently push me so I can swing while in there 😂
Reading is definitely my stress reliever. I enjoyed your comment about not wearing black every day....thank goodness! I do like your dresses and would like to swap my jeans for dresses ❤ Enjoy your day!
You too!
Also, opening a window and letting in some fresh air in the spring before it gets too hot is nice. Listening to the sounds of nature like the breeze or birds chirping.
Sadly not if you have very bad allergies. 😢
I recharge or destress with walking my dog, surround myself with color, and watching craft videos. Thank you for your suggestions 😊
HAPPY TIPS 😃Keeping a list of accomplishments and compliments to mindset shift when feeling down. Creating sassy fun phrases to counteract negative thoughts (cognitive behavioral techniques in general). Helping someone. Taking one small action towards a goal (Success is a Vitamin!). Smiling and laughing (the physical act, even without a joke). Sunshine, nature, puppies, dancing...😻
They ate daffodil bulbs! Oh my!! Bless their hearts!
A few things that can help my stress level: prayer, walking outside, flower gardening, playing with kids, and playing with animals. 😊
😂 love the story at the end!! Hope your parents didn't get sick. I also love your new wall painting and your hair cut!! The living room looks so fresh and you look younger!! I'm definitely doing the "Don't Do" list. My grandson that I'm raising mowed our 3 acres yesterday. He felt good looking over the yard and knowing he did it. I felt so proud of him and Thankful because I twisted my ankle and I'm still recovering. I de-stress by watching inspirational videos, calling a friend, getting my blankets and cuddling up with my cat or dog. Listening to music and singing (I can't sing but do it anyway😅). Having my place clean is very relaxing!
Thank you Cas for the great content every week!!
@@bellaluce7088 Thank you so much ❤️
@@intherockies : - ) ❤
To help me relax, I take a bath every three days. Showers take up more water anyway. And a bath makes me slow myself down. I like your lavender idea! I may add that to my bath too!
❤ yes this comment
Umm, not sure, but the average bath uses 35 to 50 gallons of water whereas a 10 minute shower with a low flow showerhead only uses 25 gallons.
:)
Be aware that everyone responds differently to Lavender. It can jazz up some (me) and essential oils have high propensity for pollutants. I chose essential oils for their purity, chemical properties (anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, decongestant, digestive, neuroprotective, steroidal, etc.) besides whether I like their smells.
Ha! That story is hysterical! My favorite stress reducer is not exercise, just strolling. Strolling in the spring sunshine with the birds chirping and signs of life everywhere is so invigorating!
I take time in the morning to enjoy my coffee and watch the hummingbirds at a feeder outside....of course, I'm retired! Also, I like playing soothing background music while doing chores around the house...call me corny, but I usually pick "Soundscapes"!!!
I agree about having plants and flowers to add peace to your home. I'm an African Violet nut. And, I've been accused of trying to make a jungle at times in certain areas of my home. Having a cute dog around would also make me happy, but, since losing our 10 year old dog a few years ago, my husband and I haven't made the commitment to get another dog as we are traveling often. Someday, though. Thank you, Cass for all your videos...
Great closing story! Haha.
Pacing myself has been a game changer for me this spring. If it normally takes 10 steps I try to pace myself slower to 15 steps, for example. The Alexander Technique has a very helpful segment on UA-cam for relaxation and coming off the adrenaline so many of us run on from day to day. Hope that helps someone!
I like to sew by hand. It helps me focus and I love making something beautiful.
I love the dresses! I also discovered the joys of having a couple of pots of mixed herbs. Walking out on the back deck to snip some herbs for dinner is so lovely. The other thing I do to lower stress is to *try* to keep the front hall tidy. We have a shoe explosion there most days and an area rug that is scrunched to the side and covered in detritus 😆 A quick tidy each day, lighting a nice candle and putting away all the other stuff just makes the house feel better.
I Love walking in our woods, petting our farm animals and gardening to lower my stress level! Love your dresses!
Boy do I agree with give your children responsibility. I grew up with weekly chores. I have no idea why I didn’t make my kids do more.
My kids were doing their own laundry at age 8. Age 9 they could do the weekly house clean entirely by themselves. It started when they were crawling. If they could get toys out, they could put them away. One is a commercial cleaner, the other is a restaurant inspector.
I Love swinging on our covered swing, that our kids bought us a few years ago. It is the most relaxing thing to lay on it and read a book or watch a You Tube video.
So glad, winter is over so I can get outside and swing and relax!!
Housework can wait!! 😊 ❤
Decluttering has been my go-to stress reliever for the last few months.
Now that it’s spring, I’ll mix some gardening in.
Reading my Bible everyday helps lower stress for me. It brings me joy and hope.
Funnily enough I cleared off my small galley kitchen counters yesterday morning. I've been admiring them ever since! I'm hoping I can keep them this way for longer this time as stuff tends to creep onto them 🙃
I get up at least an hour before I have to start getting ready to go anywhere. I need the time to gather my thoughts, watch a little you tube and plan my day before I have to run out the door.
😂 that was funny. I hope they don't get sick. I like to watch something funny, listen to music, read a good bk and call a friend to talk about nothing,laugh with them. Thank you for the reminder.❤ The idea of what not to do.😊
You're welcome!
It is finally nice enough to sit out on our back porch. So I enjoy taking time to sit out there and listen to the birds chirping away or watch them feeding. We have hummingbirds, orioles and well as a number of other common birds. Soooo peaceful.
I'm part of the take back group - Love listening to you on UA-cam and Listening to books while I do other things to relax and sometimes "body double" Love your sense of humor.
I watch Cass the Clutterbug video to relax. :D Hot baths with lavender bubble bath is my go-to.
Cas your hair looks so pretty! I love to knit, crochet, or do cross-stitch to relax. I also love to garden and plant flowers for the butterflies and hummingbirds. I enjoy it but it can be hard on my body. I have way too many plants inside of our house. But they're my living decorations. ☺️🥰
I often drive without the radio on, it’s so nice to have the peace and quiet!
I find walking outside is a great stress reliever. And it does not feel like exercise. 😊
My calming moment... buying a great "tranquil" or "spa tea" and making time for make a cup and force myself to take a few moments to enjoy it.. perhaps while watching my favorite youtubers 😊
Thanks for these tips!!! My number 1 to reduce stress is exercise 😂 sorry. But if exercise won’t happen, it’s incredible what just 5-10 minutes of stretching can do. It forces us to slow down, and take deep breaths. I never think of stretching on my own, so I find it helpful to follow along with a 5-10 minute stretch video. Try it first thing in the morning, or in the evening before bed,..it’s so calming :)
I have never been a big exercise person, except for walking dog etc. But the last 8 weeks I've done my rebounder every morning. And I've lost weight. And I feel better. 🎉 So, I concur. 😊
That’s awesome!!! So happy it makes you feel better too :)
Every little bit counts. Whenever I don’t feel like stretching or exercising I just try to remember how much better I’ll feel 😌
Yes at least stretching feels so amazing and makes anxious me relaxed enough to sleep!
My favorite stretch routine these days
ua-cam.com/video/g_tea8ZNk5A/v-deo.html
I live in Michigan, and like you, I live most my year in the cold. I tend to get SAD. My daughter bought me one of those lights to sit under for 15 min that mimic sunlight. The one good thing, it makes me sit down and read. I turn the lamp off after times up, but I usually continue reading for a while longer!
My summer stress reducing method is hours carving out new gardens. The flowers and the colors are just so fun! I can be outside a lot, and make my yard pretty at the same!
Great outfit. Love your hair. I really appreciate your suggestions for incorporating fake plants and seasonal decor into my home. It has made tackling paper clutter much more tolerable.
I open windows, diffuse essential oils & typically light a candle every morning to help my family start the day calm & enjoyable. I typically do the same in the evening.
Every morning I relax by watching my favorite you tubers EVERY morning while drinking my coffee. Yes Cas, love yours and Dawns videos. I’ve been in the TYHB group since it started and it’s helped me so much.
When I need to relax, I light a scented candle and listen to some soft piano or guitar music. It's sooo relaxing and in the fall I switch on the fireplace.
First, LOVE the new artwork above your fireplace. Second, nature has a calming effect on me. Third, I really enjoyed this visit!
I like my bird feeder that has suction cups and I stick it onto my kitchen window! I also enjoy reading the Bible at night before bed to bring my heart rate down and help me relax💕✝️🙋🏻♀️
To lower my stress level I simply take 20 minutes to sit in the sunlight. If it’s raining I sit and enjoy watching the rain ❤
I listen to praise & worship music . That's what helps me
I love the idea of fresh flowers and herbs. It adds such a special touch to dishes 😊.
For sure!
Reading and studying the Bible always relax me!!
Having a good chat with your best friend & laughing automatically lowers stress. Your end story with your mom was hilarious!!😂
My No. 1 stress killer is music. Listening to it or even better playing the piano myself and maybe singing is the most calming thing for me. There's no room for anything else in my head while playing, I guess that's what's so great for me.
Love all your tips. I started years ago with the faux flowers. Brightens every room. This year I’ve slowly been bringing in more greenery. I love it. I agree… we all need more peace & serenity in our lives. I listen to spa music as soon as I get home from work, to unwind.. at night I use room spray and serenity essential oil in my diffuser and on the bottom of my feet. I sleep like a baby… ready for the next day!!
I recommend spider plants. Thats what I started with. And I can kill bamboo (how is that possible, it sits in water lol). Spider plants do well with just some light, 1 cup of water a week (fluoride free, so not from the tap unless filtered) and you have a pretty plant. Eventually it will even produce pups which makes it even fuller or you can pick them off with their root cluster and put in water to propagate and make more plants. I now have moved onto more plants but thats where I started.
A walk in nature, but instead of wearing earbuds or being on your phone, actually looking at the trees and the sky and listening to the birds ☺️
I take one minute at least outside looking at the fresh spring green on the trees and listening to the birds and think of nothing else except how beautiful spring is.
Great episode. Thanks for all your helpful tips! Sometimes in winter or spring I change the lightbulb in my reading lamp with a "grow" lightbulb (like for potted plants). It's amazing how good it feels to sit under one and read. :)
Real flowers are a must. I go walking 3 days a week. I make a coffee and read a book for the next 30 min. Then start my day. Retired and love it😊
great video! love the new artwork! new spring habit-morning journaling-writing a kind letters to myself, attaboys, words of encouragement, etc
I just pulled up my bulbs and dried them out and put them in a paper bag to store them over the summer to plant in the fall. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has to worry about forgetting what they are and cooking them. They look an awful lot like garlic lol. 6 months is a long time for me to remember something.
I mean...yoga for relaxation is like sneaky exercise? You're stretching, but also meditating, and there is no wrong way to do it. One of my favorite yoga teachers would always say "you do YOUR yoga."
Also, just taking a walk.
Or, being outside! I love the Garden for relaxing, whether weeding it or just staring at it! 😅
Outdoors for relaxation is super popular!
@@Clutterbug it's the effect of the green! Just like plants of the real or fake variety, there must be some ancient lizard brain thing that says, "ooo, nature good!" 🤣
A big stress reducer for me is sitting outside and reading a book. Obviously, the weather needs to be good, but living in Florida, there is almost always sun during the day. I highly recommend it.
An alternative is a comfy chair, a good book, and no other sound in the house.
Love this episode 😊 So many great ideas. Something that helps me with stress is to plan my day the night before. Take a few minutes and write down the six most important things and plan of action.
Also, can you point me toward the “clear clutter challenge” you mentioned?
It isn't a formal challenge, just me challenging you right now! Clear off your counters! Find homes for everything you don't use at least once a day! Try it for just one week!
Best tip for lowering stress.. get out in nature every single day. I'm also big time into freshwater aquascaping, so I have nature inside of my home as well.
Hi Cas. I love your videos and am so grateful to you ❤️ I love the idea of the don't list. I'm always yes to everyone so need to learn to say no sometimes. I'm going to try the herbs on my window sill, i have some fake plants as I'm a nightmare keeping plants alive 😊 i joined your membership yesterday ❤🦋🐞 think I'm more of a butterfly 🦋
How to join Cas membership?
@@rhondahigh7005 hi I follow cas on you tube and saw on there to join so clicked on it..
To feel more happy and relaxed, I hung a disco ball into my window. Now every time the sun shines, lots of light sparkles fill up the room. I feel instant happy when it happens. Maybe not everyones type of tea, but it makes me happy (even if i have to dust the ball, it is worth it) 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Love your idea! ❤
Reading a relaxing fiction book has really helped relieve my stress 😀
I’m with you Cas, these little things make a positive difference in our lives and homes. I would add music to your list… soft not loud, any genre that suits you. It adds so much to my mood and the peaceful, welcoming, happy vibe in our home.
Hi Cas! I’m not a fan of lavender - so I’m swapping out lavender for a ‘Clutterbug’ fix! X
:)
Lots of other scents you can use. I have a stash of Pure brand essential oils and a couple dispensers. Thanks for the reminder to use them!
There are so many things that can help lower stress levels. Gratitude is proven to change neurotransmitter levels in your body (lower norepinephrine and adrenaline, and raise GABA, which makes us feel safe, secure, and helps us feel confident). If it's nice outside, I like to go for a stroll (not a powerwalk). I stopped drinking coffee, and that helped a lot! And of course, not having clutter everywhere is so helpful, as well.