Reclaiming Our Peace of Mind
As we wrap up Stress Awareness Month, our minds turn to the endless ways that women have experienced increased stress over the past two years. We asked three of our favorite power women how they find peace in the moment, amidst the chaos of life.
Laura W.: Mother, Curator and Tech Executive
What does serenity feel like for you?
Present. Connected. Grateful. Safe. Enough.
How do you effectively cope with stress time and time again?
The best antidote to stress (especially if it's chronic) is an intentional practice of self-care and self-compassion. For me, this means actively listening to my body, unapologetically tuning into my needs and seeking out beauty and inspiration.
Are there any products, classes, or music that help bring you back to a state of balance?
A regular regimen of breath-work, pilates, dry brushing, deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and salt baths -- combined with luxurious and restorative beauty products (including S'eau Prima) -- help me activate my parasympathetic nervous system and get back to a state of feeling rested and restored. A beautiful glass of French wine always helps as well.
Shop Dr. Sturm Body Brush and Costa Brazil Bath Salts.
Jennifer S.: Mother, Designer, Consultant
What does serenity feel like for you?
Serenity feels like living in my female intuition and power. It lives inside of my body with an open heart and a clear head. It feels like a beautiful, sunny, clear day after a cleansing rainstorm.
How do you effectively cope with stress time and time again?
First and most importantly, I breathe. I connect my breath to my body to slow down that feeling of being activated. Then I notice and bring awareness to my stress and I talk to myself about what I see. I then connect to my truth to see if I am telling myself old stories and if so, I let those go. Usually there are words of encouragement and sometimes a relaxing into what is true in that moment.
Are there any products, classes, or music that help bring you back to a state of balance?
Yes, so many! But most of all I get down to my children's level -- I look in their eyes and connect to them. That is my best medicine and always readily available.
I get down to my children's level -- I look in their eyes and I connect to them. That is my best medicine and always readily available.
If I am alone, I will put on a Sarah Blondin meditation, go for a walk or journal. I also find regular joy and connection back to myself in sound baths, cranio-sacral, massage and plant medicine. My newest daily ritual is using my S’eau Prima face mist throughout the day as a way to nourish and refresh.
Our favorite journals.
Jess S. : Dog Mom to Denver, Creative Director, Road Tripper
What does serenity feel like for you?
Serenity for me is a spaciousness in the brain. My mind has room to think, or even better, to not think. Rather than that batshit tornado of thoughts or to-do’s, it’s like my brain just got gently steamed [ahhhhhh] and there is a peacefulness, playfulness and general equanimity towards typical stressors.
How do you effectively cope with stress time and time again?
I have a few go to methods:
- I have this journal that I use to write down lots of wisdom from different books or podcasts over the years. It’s like a cliff notes of quotes, facts about human behavior, neuroscience and self help (which I love!). For instance a research study found that 90% of stories we tell ourselves aren’t true. Also, the mind has a negativity bias. Whenever I read through the words or quotes, I can usually find one that applies to my current woe and I immediately feel at ease.
- I also journal out a stressful situation. I notice that my writing starts out a little chaotic and defensive and then I’m able to reflect on the learnings, or add in empathy. Plus when my mind is tempted to go through the same “racket” again, I already have everything written down so I can say to myself, “Look brain, we already said that! Let’s not go there again.”
- Sex
- I have a go-to girlfriend who has a very playful and childlike, worry-free way of being. Just by speaking to her, I’m able to absorb some of her lightness and carefree disposition.
Are there any products, classes, or music that help bring you back to a state of balance?
- I find a bit of novelty and discovery always helps. When I'm stimulating my brain with something I haven’t laid eyes on yet or needing to figure something out I'm able to get out of my head. One way I love to do this is by finding new nature hikes via All Trails. Completing something physical is always very rewarding and you have the added benefit of nature.
- Wim Hof breathwork and cold plunging!
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I love this book called Think Happy which is filled with affirmations to slap the cerebellum by giving you a totally different lens for your problem. (I admit the title of the book is toxically positive but the content inside is pure magic). Some of my favorites are “don’t let a zombie bite turn you into a zombie” “know your worth and don’t give discounts” “fear is nature’s caffeine".
Special thanks to the women who surround us and lift us up each and every day.