Feeling anxious at work? Try using your senses to relax and reduce stress.

According to Dr. Heather Stevenson, a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City, there are ways to use our five senses to help our body relax and slow down. By shifting the sensory input that our body is receiving, we can activate our nervous system and signal to our body that it is safe to calm down. This is how our body physiologically responds to stress.

Our five senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell - play a crucial role in how we experience the world around us. We rely on them to gather information and make sense of our surroundings. But did you know that they can also be powerful tools in managing stress and promoting relaxation? Dr. Stevenson explains that by engaging our senses in a deliberate and intentional way, we can influence our body's response to stress.

For example, let's start with sight. When we are feeling stressed, our vision may become narrow and focused, almost like tunnel vision. To counteract this, Dr. Stevenson suggests intentionally expanding our vision by looking at something in the distance, preferably something that is calming or pleasant to look at. This can help our body relax and shift away from a state of stress.

Next, we have hearing. Similar to our vision, when we are stressed, our hearing may become hypersensitive to certain sounds, making us feel even more agitated. To combat this, Dr. Stevenson recommends focusing on calming sounds, such as nature sounds or soothing music. This can help drown out the stressful noises and promote a sense of calm.

Moving on to taste, Dr. Stevenson suggests using mindful eating as a way to engage our sense of taste and promote relaxation. Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the taste, texture, and sensation of the food we are eating. By savoring each bite and focusing on the present moment, we can shift our body's response from stress to relaxation.

Similarly, touch can also be a powerful tool in managing stress. Dr. Stevenson explains that engaging in activities such as a warm bath, a massage, or even hugging a loved one can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Our sense of smell can also play a role in this process. Scented candles, essential oils, or even the smell of freshly cut grass can have a calming effect on our body.

In conclusion, our five senses can be utilized in managing stress and promoting relaxation. By intentionally engaging them in a positive and calming way, we can send signals to our body that it is safe to slow down and relax. So the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, remember to use your senses as a powerful tool in finding calmness and peace.

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