The month of April has been nationally recognized as Stress Awareness Month. Although some handle stress better than others, stress affects us all at some point in our lives.

In a recent article published by helpguide.org, they defined stress as the body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response”. The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life—giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Stress can also help you rise to meet challenges. It’s what keeps you on your toes during a presentation at work, sharpens your concentration when you’re attempting the game-winning free throw, or drives you to study for an exam when you’d rather be watching TV. But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

There are certain things that can be done to mitigate the feelings of stress, such as listening to relaxing music, meditating or simply going for a walk. Personally, exercising and indulging in aromatherapy are two of my primary stress relieving techniques. As a business owner, corporate executive and mother of two, there are times when I feel a bit overwhelmed and can feel the stress creeping in. To stay in control and not let the stress control me, I participate in a 30-minute HOTWORX Yoga Session at least once per week. The combination of infrared, heat, and exercise alleviates muscle tension, relaxes my mind and helps me to get the adequate amount of sleep needed to stay sharp and focused. My second stress remedy is the use of Planet Beach’s lavender essential oil. A study conducted at Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany suggested that “essential oils may affect many biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function.” Therefore, mixing a few drops of lavender essential oil with water in my diffuser dispenses an aroma that helps me to stay cool, calm and collected.

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, Planet Beach will be offering BOGO ½ off of Wyx Essential Oils. If you would like to try out one of my stress relieving methods, stop by your local Planet Beach to try a complimentary HOTWORX Session or to purchase the Wyx Lavender Essential Oil today. To visit a Planet Beach near you, visit https://planetbeach.com/spa-locator/.

Whatever life throws your way, remember to stay in control and be strong. We are all faced with trials and tribulations, but it’s how we react that defines our character and our overall quality of life. When all else fails, remember that a Diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handles stress exceptionally well, so put your worries aside and shine bright like a Diamond.

*Offers valid only at participating Planet Beach spray & spa locations. Services and Products vary by location. Restrictions may apply. See spa for details.

Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity