Hey there, I’m Janet, the spirit and voice behind Relax-to-the-Max. My story is built on a foundation of both struggle and perseverance. Like many, my stress levels began in my early adult life. Post-secondary education introduced me to endless pressures and deadlines, and from there, it seemed like stress became my constant companion.
The next chapters of my life added different layers of stress. Starting a demanding career, navigating through marriage, and experiencing the joys and challenges of parenting were significant milestones. Then life brought unexpected trials – an unfortunate divorce, the responsibilities of single parenting, and the unyielding nature of financial stress.
But life wasn’t done with its lessons yet. I have faced challenging relationship issues with people – but mostly with my own self. I also experienced grief and the healing process that comes from dealing with loss when my father suddenly passed away, and the passing of beloved pets as well.
Chronic muscular tension soon followed. Many nights turned into restless battles without sleep, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
A pivotal moment for me was being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I realized stress was no longer something I could sideline; it demanded my attention. This diagnosis became my wake-up call. I knew I had to commit deeply to self-care, not just for my physical health, but for my whole being.
Now, I’m on a journey to reclaim my life from stress. Exploring effective and nurturing ways to manage chronic stress is not just a choice but a necessity. More than that, I find motivation in helping others who face similar challenges and I’m dedicated to sharing my journey with you.
I invite you to explore with me the many ways of bringing equilibrium and balance back into our lives; not only by reducing stress, but by discovering more joy and happiness along the way.
Discovering Joy and Balance Beyond Stress
Examples of some pursuits that I have engaged in and have found to be very helpful towards my goal of stress reduction are as follows:
One discovery has been the therapeutic effect of adult arts and crafts – such as adult coloring, diamond art, paint by number, and learning to knit. These activities provide a space for me to focus mindfully on the task at hand, and therefore avoid wondering to deeply into negative thinking or stressful worrying.
Mindful movement; particularly chi gong and tai chi; has become integral to my healing journey. Through them, I learn to listen to my body; release physical tension; and to be more fully in the present moment.
Nature, too, plays a profound role in my life. There’s something inherently calming about being outdoors, whether it’s a long hike in the mountains or a gentle walk in the park. The natural world offers perspective and reminds me to appreciate the simple wonders of life.
Cooking, once a chore, has evolved into a joyful culinary adventure. Exploring wholesome foods and trying new recipes transforms eating into a celebration, a way to nourish both body and soul. This renewed relationship with healthy food also aids in managing stress-related health concerns.
As I navigate this path, I invite you to join in and explore what brings you joy. Whether it’s art, movement, or community, there are numerous ways to discover harmony and resilience in life. Through Relax-to-the-Max, let’s embark on this journey of finding freedom from stress amidst life’s chaos.