Positive Publicity by Camille Mola

I am a person who needs an hour (ok, 2) to fully decompress after a long day. But unwinding can sometimes be easier said than done. Between our phones, to-do lists and stress, it can be difficult to recharge physically, emotionally and mentally. So today, I wanted to share some of the ways I decompress every night in order to show appreciation for the day I’ve just had, and to recharge for the next day. These tips aren’t meant to be another task to add to your to-do list, but rather a daily mission to improve and enhance your life.

• Deep breaths – You don’t have to be a meditation expert in order to benefit from deep breathing. Deep breathing reduces stress and anxiety, and increases oxygen supply to your brain. I find that breathing in for four seconds, holding for six, and releasing for seven really calms me.

• Gratitude – Practicing gratitude can have an immense effect on your overall mood. It’s not just reminding yourself of all of the good things in your life – it’s about truly experiencing  joy, gratefulness, and love for all things, big and small, in life. Even if our day seemed particularly difficult, showing appreciation for a warm cup of coffee on a cold afternoon, a nice conversation you had with a stranger, or an amazing new song you heard helps us put things into perspective. You can “practice” your gratitude while deep breathing.

• Aromatherapy – It’s been shown that scents can aid in transforming moods, especially lavender. Whether it’s a candle, sprayed on a pillow, or an oil, lavender can aid in inducing sleep and relaxing your mind.

• Disconnect – Pulling ourselves away from our phones isn’t easy – believe me, I know. Scrolling through Twitter and Instagram and checking emails right before bed causes us to feel even more stressed. Challenge yourself each night to put your phone down earlier and earlier before you go to bed.

One of my goals with Positive Publicity is to help people live their best life possible, and I hope these little suggestions have a big impact on how you relax before bed!