With the state of the world being what it is, the way prices go up but not our pay, and the every day issues we have to deal with, its no wonder so many of us are stressed out. I mean, you know its bad when you worry about the fact that your worrying! Lol. Thats so sad I know. But, its literally how I am most days. Adulthood is not all its cracked up to be!
The demanding and often monotonous days we live in can be such a drag. Stress becomes such a constant in our lives that after a while we don't even notice how stressed out we actually are! And that is not a good state to be in. Stress as we all know can wreak so much havoc on our mental and physical well beings. So what ways can we alleviate it?
Well, listed below are seven (7) ways that you can let go of the stress in your life. Of course there are more ways, but for the sake of time we'll just take a look at these seven. (In no particular order)
1. Take a walk. Take a nice leisurely stroll. Make sure you take your time and focus on your surroundings. Concentrate on your breathing as you walk off the days burdens that you've been carrying around for far too long. Clear your mind of all your troubles and irritations and think of only positive things. This is your time to breathe deep and just "whoosah".
2. Exercise. Now, I'm sure you're like well I just went for walk doesn't that constitute exercise? Yes, it does, but the previous walk was not one to bring up your heart rate. When I speak of exercise I mean breaking out into a sweat. Look long and hard at that body bag and hit it hard! If you run, lace up those sneakers and pound that pavement or treadmill.
Get all of that aggression and tension out of your body. That vigorous workout will tire you out and cause you to have a good nights rest...something thats hard to come by when you're all stressed out.
3. Get Pampered. Treat yourself to a nice spa day (or if you're lucky enough someone else will foot the bill. Lol). Get that deep tissue massage, facial, or seaweed wrap. Whatever it is that you like that helps you to relax and release the stress your body holds will be a great benefit to your health.
4. Quiet Time Activity. Shhhh! Hit the pause or mute button. I know, I know...you may be wondering how am I supposed to find some quiet time? I have kids, I'm married, I'm doing this, I'm doing that...STOP! You've scheduled everything else going on in your life so learn to schedule some YOU time. You can't keep running around like a chicken with no head, eventually it will catch up to you. So slow down, better yet, sit down! Find a quiet spot or go somewhere that allows you to shut off the noise for a bit. Read a book, meditate, or do any other activity where the noise level is either low or non-existent. This is all about regaining your sanity.
5. Take a hot bath. Not only does this ease the tension in your muscles, but it also gives you another space to be alone (or not...but thats a whole other kind of post. *wink wink*). Put on some music and throw in what ever salts, bubbles, or whatever you put in your bath, and just sit back and relax. For just a few minutes leave your troubles behind. Me time is always the right time, at least I think so.
6. Vacation. Aside from the getting to the airport, going through security, and finding space in the (always crowded) over-head bin on the plane, vacation can be quite relaxing. Lol! Just enjoy yourself. Immerse yourself in a new climate, culture, or space. Leave your check-off list at home and do whatever it is you want to do. Go with your family, friends, or by yourself. The point is you are away from the routine for awhile and regain some sense of self as you explore a new place or get reaquainted with a spot you are familiar with.
7. Say No. I know this won't be feasible all the time. But let me tell you, when I finally understood the power of no...whoah! I learned that I didn't have to do EVERYTHING...for everybody. Its impossible! And the more you say yes to others, the more they'll keep asking. Its like if your sick but you still go to work...as long as you're there, they will expect you to work, regardless of how you look or feel. You can't be that bad if you showed up, right? I've learned to tell people that I am unavailable-without guilt! I am important (and so are YOU). Save yourself as much as possible. Don't allow ALL of your time to go to everyone else and never set aside any for yourself. You matter too, hun.
So, those are my seven ways of alleviating stress. All of these can help bring down your stress level, and bring you back to a much more pleasant person. Stress can make us some cranky folks. So, how do these seven ways sound to you? What are some things you do to rid yourself of stress? By all means please share!!
Well, I'll talk to you again soon. Take care everyone!!
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