Combat Stress by Creating An Oasis: Personal Health & Wellness Coach Monique N. Gilbert Provides Eight Easy Steps

Stress and anxiety can prematurely age the mind and body. If not dealt with effectively, chronic stress and worrying can place undue strain upon the cardiovascular and immune systems. It can also lead to mood disorders and negatively affect cognitive functions. "Having a safe and comfortable place where we can relax and unwind can help improve our well-being and produce feelings of peace and tranquility" says Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. Personal Health & Wellness Coach.

"Ideally, creating an atmosphere that induces calmness throughout your home is best" says Ms. Gilbert. "However, if space is limited, you still can create your own oasis, even if it is only in a corner of a room or in a cubical at work". Here are eight easy ways to make your personal space a true comfort zone.

1. Tranquil Sounds. Listening to soothing music, sound machines and water falls can help a person to relax and unwind. Sounds have the ability to alter perceptions and instantly change moods.

2. Living Plants. Live plants create a peaceful atmosphere. They improve the ambiance and air quality of indoor environments, and induce a positive energy around them.

3. Soft Lighting. Soft and adjustable lighting can create a soothing atmosphere. Look for light bulbs that are bright, but not harsh. Being able to adjust the brightness of lighting will give more control of mood in the space.

4. Pleasant Smells. A fresh and pleasant odor can transport a person to a peaceful place and time. Open a window to get an exchange of air, use air purifiers or deodorizers to create the scent you find most pleasing.

5. Furniture Arrangement. Place furniture and other items to best fit daily needs and actions. Personalize a space with things that bestow happy memories.

6. Comfortable Textures. Use pillows, throws and soft materials to create a comfort zone. The sense of touch has a powerful impact upon a persons' feelings.

7. Symbols of Nature. Bring the outdoors inside with shells, rocks, feathers, wood, leaves, etc.

8. Answering Machine. When the need to unwind and revitalize arises, turn the answering machine on and the volume down. Return calls when fully recharged and ready to talk.

Take control of personal surroundings, whether they are just a corner of a room or a desk at work. These steps can also be used when traveling to help a person unwind. By creating a personal oasis, a person will be better able to relax and rejuvenate. A few changes may be all that is needed to be calm, peaceful, energized and inspired.

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. is a Personal Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor and Author. Monique has offered guidance in health, nutrition, fitness, weight-loss and stress management since 1989. To learn more about Monique's personal coaching program, go to http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com/

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Author Bio …
Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. has received international recognition for helping people get healthy, manage stress, lose weight and keep it off. Through her coaching program, Monique motivates and teaches how to improve your well-being, vitality and longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity and healthy stress-free living. For more information, visit her website at http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com/

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