Author Mandrake WindWillow

Originally Published in the Llewellyn 2007 Wicca Almanac

If you intend to republish this page, please contact  Mandrake Windwillow

          Stress caused by our lifestyle and culture plagues us all in one or another.  Stress can cause muscle tension, illness, depression, and high blood pressure, along with promoting use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, food and other addictions.  We, as magical folk, can use our Divinely given talents to help ourselves and those around us reduce the stress in our world.  Here are seven simple ways anyone can create a little stress-free magic in their lives.

          1) Meditate regularly.  Most pagan traditions use meditation as part of their daily practices anyway, so why not incorporate stress reduction into those practices. If you don’t practice daily meditations then why not start. Meditating daily will help you with your focus and ability to raise energy when it is needed for spell working and ritual. Before starting your daily meditation ritual spend a few minutes clearing your mind of the stresses that could keep you from enjoying your meditation time.  Practiced over time this will result in more productive and more relaxing meditations.

          2) Take back time for yourself.  Every person on this planet has the power to make time for them, but few do. This causes stress.  Even if you can only steal away five or ten minutes a day this will help you feel more relaxed and cared for.

          3) Take a walk every day (if possible) Walking is not only excellent exercise, but it is a great stress reliever.  It gets the blood pumping and arms and legs going.  If the weather is less than pleasant take a walk around a local mall or museum or take the steps to your office instead of the elevator.  The idea is to get outside and commune with Mother Nature, but if its blizzard conditions outside then at least keep the muscles working for when it is nice.

          4) Listen to music while you are doing mundane activities.  Most chain stores now carry cds and cassettes of relaxing music (usually near the candles) for minimal cost.  Play relaxing music or nature sounds that appeal to you.  This will take your mind off of the mundane work you are performing and will allow you to relax and let your mind wander.  Some employers allow music to be played at a low volume while working, if you have a choice in the music; use the music to inspire creativity and productivity without stress and frustration.

          5) Use scent and aromatherapy in high stress areas.  If you hate doing the dishes and cooking stresses you out use pleasant scented dish soap or simmer some relaxing potpourri on the stove (make sure to keep adding water) to let the power of scent relax and invigorate you.  There are aromatherapy dish detergents on the market or make your own using scent or essential oils in plainly scented dish detergent.  Even at the office you can place a vanilla scented candle on your desk or a bowl of potpourri if you cannot burn a candle in your office.  If you work as a service person and do not have a desk, wear relaxing oil instead of perfume, but make sure you carry the bottle with you for touch ups during the day.

          6) Use your time in the bathroom bathing to your advantage. Instead of taking a quick shower 10 minutes before you have to run out the door rearrange your schedule to take your time the night before. Lock the door, light candles, play music, have a bubble bath and relax.  If you prefer showers use a scented body wash that is pleasing to your senses and let the heat of the water relax all the stress away. 

          7) Create a home where stress is not allowed to dwell.  Magically charge your home to repel stress as you would any other form of negativity.  Do not allow stress to live in the corners or murk in the shadows.  Burn cleansing incenses often and do ritual cleansings when you feel the stress level building up.  By keeping your home as a stress free sanctuary you have a place to always escape to and feel safe.

          These are only a few suggestions on how to use simple common sense magic to help alleviate the stress that can cause damage if unchecked.  You do not need to do all of these for results, try using one and see how it works for you, then add another if you wish.  I hope you find the secrets to a stress free life (and if you do make sure you email me the secret).