The DIY Guide to Stress Relief + Glowing Skin for the Holidays
Hello, my friend!
We've all had those moments—when stress builds up and it feels like you're ready to explode. Whether it's politics, holidays, work, family, or just the everyday demands of life, it can leave you feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. But don't worry—there are natural ways to hit the reset button and soothe your nervous system. Read more below..
👇 In today’s email:
This week’s inspiration: 7 Ways to Find Calm & Reset Your Nervous System
Latest blog post: Unlock Radiant Skin For the Holidays with Simple Lymphatic Drainage Techniques
What I’m listening to: How to Heal Your Body Through Movement
7 Ways to Find Calm & Reset Your Nervous System
Ok, we've all been there - that moment when you feel like you're about to lose it. Your heart beat is going, your breathing is a little shallow, and you're one small annoyance away from blowing a gasket.
Before you reach that boiling point, let's talk about how to hit the reset button on your nervous system.
As a Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine with over 20 years of experience, I've helped countless women find balance and calm in the midst of chaos. Here are my top 7 tried-and-true DIY tips to help you regain your calm when you're ready to blow a gasket.
1. Breathe Like You Mean It
Deep, intentional breathing is your first line of defense against stress. Try this quick technique:
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 counts
Repeat 3-5 times
This simple exercise stimulates your vagus nerve, activating your body's relaxation response.
2. Tap into Tranquility
Acupressure is a powerful way to calm your nervous system. Try gently tapping or massaging these points:
Yin Tang: The spot between your eyebrows
Pericardium 6: Three finger-widths below the wrist crease on the inner forearm
Stimulating these points can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
3. Shake It Off (Literally)
Sometimes you need to physically shake off that excess energy. Try this:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart
Gently shake your whole body for 1-2 minutes
Let your arms flop and your jaw relax
This practice, rooted in Qigong, helps release tension and reset your system.
4. Sip on Serenity
Certain herbs can have a calming effect on your nervous system. Try brewing a cup of:
Chamomile tea
Passionflower tea
Lemon balm tea
These herbs have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote relaxation.
5. Get Grounded in Nature
Take a few minutes to connect with the earth. Walk barefoot on grass, hug a tree, or simply sit outside. This practice, often called "earthing," can help reduce stress and inflammation.
6. Activate Your Acupuncture Points
Even without needles, you can stimulate key acupuncture points to calm your system:
Rub your ear lobes gently
Massage the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger
These simple techniques can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.
7. Embrace the Power of Scent
Certain aromas can have an immediate calming effect. Try:
Lavender essential oil
Ylang-ylang essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
Place a drop on your wrists or diffuse in your space for instant calm.
Remember, ladies, you have the power to reset your nervous system and find your center.
These techniques are your secret weapons against stress and overwhelm. Practice them regularly, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you can go from "ready to blow" to "cool as a cucumber."
Latest blog post
Unlock Radiant Skin For The Holidays with Simple Lymphatic Drainage Techniques
Can I tell you a little secret about glowing skin? It’s not just about the products you use—it’s about how you move your skin.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never given much thought to your lymphatic system, that underappreciated network quietly doing its thing beneath the surface. It’s like your body’s natural cleanup crew, sweeping away toxins and puffiness so you can wake up looking and feeling refreshed.
The thing is, sometimes your lymph needs a little nudge, especially in your face. That’s where lymphatic drainage comes in.
It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Using gentle strokes and specific techniques, you can encourage your lymphatic flow, reduce puffiness, and boost your skin’s natural glow—all from the comfort of your own bathroom mirror. Think of it as a self-care ritual that’s both practical and meditative.
In my latest blog post, I break it all down step-by-step:
💆♀️ How to prep your skin before you start.
💧 Why starting at the neck is non-negotiable.
👋 Simple movements you can do in under 10 minutes.
This isn’t about chasing perfection or trends—it’s about giving your body a little extra support and watching your natural beauty shine through.
Want to learn how? Check out the full guide here.
P.S. These techniques pair beautifully with your favorite serum or oil. Trust me—your skin will thank you!
What I'm listening to
How to Heal Your Body Through Movement
Have you ever thought about how your movement shapes your entire experience of life?
I hadn’t either—until I listened to an eye-opening conversation between Dr. Rangan Chatterjee and Lawrence van Lingen, an expert in biomechanics and human performance.
Lawrence has worked with elite athletes and everyday people, helping them heal from untreatable injuries and move better through innovative approaches to breath, posture, and movement.
What struck me most about this episode wasn’t just his knowledge of the body—it was how deeply his methods connect movement to our emotions, stress levels, and even relationships.
Here are a few takeaways that left me inspired:
🌬️ Breath as the foundation of well-being – Lawrence explained how improper breathing can impact our stress, mood, and even physical health. By normalizing breathing patterns, we can create transformative changes in how we feel and function.
🚶♀️ The power of slowing down – One simple technique he shared was walking backward and extending your stride to stretch muscles like the psoas. I tried it, and the deep breathing it encouraged left me feeling surprisingly calm and grounded.
🌀 Flow ropes and mindful movement – Using tools like a flow rope can revolutionize how you move, helping to align your body while releasing tension and stored emotions.
Beyond the physical, Lawrence’s approach has a beautiful philosophical side. He challenges us to ask: Are we “happening to life,” or is life just happening to us?
This mindset, paired with his mantra of “mastery, not medals,” reminded me to be more intentional in how I approach not just exercise but life itself.
Since listening, I’ve incorporated one of Lawrence’s simple breathing routines from his YouTube channel, and I already feel more energized and clear-headed.
If you’re curious about how movement and breath can help you feel better every day, this episode is such a great starting point.
You can check it out here.
Here’s to moving better and living better,
I’m cheering for you. Have a wonderful week!
Dr. Cat 🥰
Dr. Catherine Wellness
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