Science has proven an alignment between the human body, stardust and our beloved planet. Oxygen, calcium, carbon and iron are only a few of the foundational elements studies have shown we share. This kinship is part of the history and practice of crystal therapy. 

Following is a quick reference chart for stress reduction and related diseases. Included are sample affirmations to use or to spark your personal mantras.  

Diabetes                   Citrine, Moss Agate, Pink Opal                        

Affirmation: I am ready to partake in the sweetness of life.

Depression               Azurite,  Lepidolite, Lithium Quartz                    

Affirmation: I am filled with hope and joy.

Heart Disease           Ruby, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz                          

Affirmation: I am loving and loved.

High Blood Pressure  Amethyst, Bloodstone, Jade                            

Affirmation: I am at peace.

Meditation                Clear quartz, Celestite, Sugilite                        

Affirmation: I am one with the Universe

Weight Regulation     Angelite,  Ametrine, Black Onyx                      

Affirmation: I am in perfect health.
       

When your alarm buzzes are you ready to greet the day or would you prefer to crawl back under the covers?  What if, as you opened your eyes, instead of the alarm clock, you saw a crystal on your bedside table?  Your day would start with an infusion of nature's beauty and power.

Adding crystals to your life can help you relax and stress less. Start by placing a shimmering white selenite sphere or calming pink Himalayan salt lamp next to your bed. These soothing stones refresh and clear your energy field - even while you're dreaming.  

Crystals serve as healing tools and act as physical reminders to align your thoughts and actions.Find out more about Crystal Energy in my book, Crystal Therapy.

In today's dynamic world, change fatigue and stress seep into your life often unnoticed until you reach the breaking point. Unanswered stress can result in disappointment, dis-ease and deter you from accomplishing your goals.  While acting with intention reduces living in-tension and ensures you navigate life with grace.

1. Understand Your Stress

Stress is part of the internal flight or fight response humans go through when confronted with a challenge. Modern stressors are different that pre-historic triggers.  Yet, physiologically, the body reacts in the same way - with heightened awareness.  Stress related health issues are on the rise as individuals today experience accelerated alertness for extended periods of time.    

The physiological response to stress signals your body to react when a situation is perceived as dangerous, demanding or traumatic.   When you identify a threat, your brain immediately sends a transmission through your spinal cord to your adrenal glands to release adrenaline.   This increases the sugar levels in your blood, accelerates your heart rate and raises your blood pressure.   

Additionally, the hypothalamus area of your brain signals the pituitary gland at the base of your brain to produce the stress hormone cortisol which keeps you hyper-attentive and aids your escape from apparent danger.  

The American Psychological Association defines two types of stress: acute and chronic. Acute stress is the most common; it is sparked from experiences of the recent past and anticipated activities. Everyday events: work projects, family responsibilities, and traffic are familiar causes.

Chronic stress is caused by events which are outside the norm including extended periods of worry or unexpected events. Long-term health issues, natural disasters, and violence are reasons chronic stress occurs.  Professional care is recommended to manage chronic stress.

When negative tension waylays you, it leaves you feeling depleted and distracted.  These feelings potentially affect your relationships, quality of life, and health. Symptoms of stress show up in thoughts, feelings, and behavior.  Resulting in health issues and dis-ease including depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

However, it is important to note not all stress is bad.   With positive stress you feel optimistic, motivated to learn and do your best.  Starting a new job can be scary and be filled positive possibilities.  Situations like this move you out of your comfort zone and enrich your life. 

Find out more about Crystal Energy in my book, Crystal Therapy

2. Clear Your Clutter

How does your body react when you walk into your home, do you feel a sense of relaxation or weariness?  You peek into your current frame of mind when you choose to look at your environment with fresh perspective.  Messy, tidy, or somewhere in-between, you are sending a message about your focus and energy levels.  

It's hard to think or take action if your physical environment is disorganized.  A draining low-grade form stress takes hold.  When you remove the physical clutter there is a more comfortable energy flow in the space and your sense of calm increases.   

The same thing is true of your thoughts.  If your mind is filled with to-do lists and distractions; it's hard to make space for creative expression and authentic connection.   Developing a consistent meditation practice helps you to clear your mind and receive inspiration.

Invite your angels to guide you; to help you orchestrate your life for the highest purpose with ease.  Loving emissaries, angels offer gifts of insights and wisdom.  Be open to receive - the Universe loves and supports you.

Give yourself the gift of sacred space as you transform your life.  Create a sanctuary in your heart and home.  Allow yourself time for contemplation, expression and the freedom to simply be in the moment.  With practice you release mess stress to live in joy.  

3. Be Mindful

Practicing mindfulness is a powerful antidote to stress. You can reduce, eliminate, and manage your stress with thoughtful focused action.  Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.d  founding Executive Director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Defines mindfulness as  "... paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

Mindfulness enhances your ability to step outside your emotions and observe yourself and the world.  You are fully present in the moment, giving attention to your thoughts and feelings, without judgment. You gain awareness and clarity.

In the process you become conscious of how your body is talking to you and discover how you carry stress.   From headaches to hunched shoulders your body is sending for you a signal to stop and take notice now.    As you progress in your mindfulness practice you'll find your priorities frequently shift.

4.  Practice Self-Care  

Your sense of contentment attracts good to you.  Nonetheless, self-care is often the first thing to fall off the to-do list when life gets busy.  Studies consistently show diet, exercise, sleep, supportive relationships, and spiritual connection contribute to self-esteem and overall well-being.   
Changing your behavior is part of improving your self-care. Take inventory of your lifestyle and integrate shifts which support your desire for a healthy life.  Allow your body to rest; turn off your electronics and make bedtime preparation a sacred ritual. 

Be kind to yourself --shift from processed foods to fresh foods.  

Choose organic options where you can.  

Step outdoors into nature.  

Take the stairs rather than the elevator--small changes bring big results.

Ask for help.

Reach out to friends, loved ones, neighbors and on-line resources for support as you practice self-care.

Initiate opportunities to share responsibilities where possible. From carpools to household chores and group shopping, people are pulling together.  

Community farm-to-table dinners are a trend on the rise!    

Being outdoors with friends and family enjoying food straight from the garden is a great way to renew body and spirit. 

5.   Recharge With Crystal Therapy

Nature renews the human spirit with her beauty and healing gifts. Carried as touchstones, used in mediation, worn as jewelry or applied in the ancient art of laying-on-of-stones, crystal energy soothes the human spirit.  

Reclaim your peace and let your spirit shine.  

Start your day with a simple crystal therapy morning ritual:
1.    Quietly open your eyes stretch and take three deep breaths.
2.    Silently give thanks for the day ahead.
3.    Ask yourself: "What is my intention for today?" and write it down in your journal.
4.    Select a touchstone (a crystal to carry as a reminder of your intention).
5.    Consciously check-in throughout the day and noticed the quality of your, communication, productivity, relationships and happiness.
6.     Put stress to rest and embrace your joy!

The world intersects at every turn. How you manage your energy matters as individual choices cause global ripples.  Let's strive to replace stress with peace, chaos with clarity and hate with love.

“Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it. 
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. 
All things are bound together. All things connect.”
-Chief Seattle

Find out more about Crystal Energy in my book, Crystal Therapy.

Note: Information provided is not meant to replace or substitute for your medical care provider or physician.