5 Stress-Busting Activities
When it comes to the subject of stress, I believe we can all relate. And if we have learned ways to beat (or minimize) stress, I believe we should share! That’s what I’ll do here.
When I share a blog post with you guys, it is usually based upon something I’m going through or a topic someone has shared with me. When it comes to the subject of stress, I believe we can all relate. And, if we have learned ways to beat (or minimize) stress, I believe we should share!
“: a state resulting from a stress
especially : one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium”
Excellent definition, but let’s put that in a way that’s easier to understand. I translate that as “physical or mental stress can be caused by factors that take us out of our normal or usual state of being”. Think about it the stress you’ve experienced…. school studies, increased workload at your job, relationship issues, health concerns, financial worries, etc. … When we are put in a situation in which we lose some form of control, we tend to begin stressing. That stress can expose itself to us in a variety of ways, as everyone is different. Physiological reactions to stress could be digestion issues, increased sweating, even increased blood pressure and pulse. Physical reactions to stress may include clenched jaw, tense muscles, and dry mouth. Emotional responses to stress may show up as feelings of being overwhelmed, being easily agitated or frustrated, low self-esteem, and even sadness. Lastly, cognitive symptoms of stress may present themselves and end up making your “stressful” situation even worse. These responses include worrying, forgetfulness, lack of focus and poor judgment. Imagine (or, remember, if these responses have affected you in the past) how these particular reactions could make a work or relationship situation escalate even more… definitely not helpful. So, let’s talk about how to bust this stress when it rears it’s ugly face in our daily lives!
While there is no substitute for getting professional help (spiritual or otherwise) when needed, there are some activities you can do on your own to ease the effects of stress. Below, you will find 5 actions that have worked for me. You may have already tried some of these before on your own, but some may be new for you. Either way, use this as reminder for when those stressful times arise, because they most surely will.
Get some sleep - This is one of the best ways that you can take care of yourself. Honestly, it is truly one of the most difficult tasks for me to complete. One of the most beneficial tasks for me is to create a bedtime routine. Start winding down as bedtime approaches, create the appropriate ambience in the room (relaxing and desired temperature), minimize work/household tasks, and shut down electronics! And, one of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve been given is to get out of bed if you find yourself tossing and turning after more than thirty minutes to an hour. When you get up, take yourself out of the bedroom and do a lowkey, calming activity. Those activities may include reading or light stretching, for example.
Get some exercise - I definitely know how important this one is, as I share this with my personal training clients daily. According to the American Heart Association, a good starting goal is at least 150 minutes a week. And remember, while I would love to have you, you do not have to seek out a gym, personal trainer, or group fitness classes to get your exercise. Make a commitment to just start moving more! The addition of physical activity will not only benefit your health, but it can also give you a release for your normal daily routine. That, in turn, can be a great relief of stress.
Reach out to family and friends - Hopefully, you have a supportive, safe space circle of people that you can count on to receive encouragement, when needed. If not, make it a priority to create that type of space for yourself. Establish a comfortable and confidential connection that you can count on. Also, be prepared to reciprocate, as needed.
Eat better - Another important task to focus on, and I do not use the word “task” lightly, is eating better. This takes your dedication and commitment to figure out what works for you, and then to continue on with consistency. Eating better doesn’t simply mean fruits, veggies, and lots of water. You may need to do the proper, in-depth research to find out which foods make you feel your best and which ones may trigger issues with your health, specifically your insides. What do I mean by “trigger”? Have you ever eaten something and immediately regretted it? Not regret from the standpoint of guilt, but regret because you know how icky it made you feel… think diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, etc. Doing some research, and getting to the bottom of what may be ailing you, may ease some of the angst and stress you experience or, at least, make it less taxing.
Find a hobby - If you already have a hobby you love, get back to it! Sounds easy enough, but sometimes finding the time to enjoy your hobbies can be stressful in itself! Does that make sense? Let me explain… If someone offers to share a great book they’ve read, but you’re not in the mindset to settle in a quiet space and read (or, maybe you do not have the time), don’t force it! Now, it may be just the opposite: you actually used to love reading, but just got away from it for a while. Their suggestion is just what was needed to reignite that passion for reading.
As I stated at the beginning of this message, the subject of stress is a topic I believe we can all relate to. And, if we have learned ways to beat (or minimize) stress, I believe we should share! I hope you learned something today, or were at least reminded of facts you already knew. While this list is not exhaustive, it’s definitely a start. The activities listed do not take the place of professional help, but can aid in your journey to less stress. Let’s take care of ourselves. There are way too many factors in this world that work against our wellbeing, so we must educate on that which is within our control.
Fall In Love…
Fall in love…. with yourself, first. In my opinion, before we can properly love and serve others, we must know how to properly love and care for ourselves. You know that saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? Well, that means even with the best intentions, we cannot give the best of ourselves in any given situation when our own tank is running low.
Fall in love…. with yourself, first. In my opinion, before we can properly love and serve others, we must know how to properly love and care for ourselves. You know that saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? Well, that means even with the best intentions, we cannot give the best of ourselves in any given situation when our own tank is running low. Let’s think about that a little bit further… Imagine when you are driving your car with a full tank of gasoline, feeling confident that the vehicle will take you to your destination, and then some. After a while the gage reads that you are down to half a tank. You acknowledge the level, but know that you still have time to worry with that later… there’s no sense of urgency, because half empty could also be viewed as half full, right?! Lol! One-fourth of a tank…. one-eighth of a tank… GAS LIGHT comes on! Oh NO!
You’ve let too much time pass…. now, you are only left with a couple of options. You can stop for gas on the way to work, but only if you get up even earlier, skip breakfast, maybe run out the front door…. OR, you have to stop after work, after dark, at just the nearest gas station you can find, no matter what the neighborhood looks like. Woah! That’s a lot, but re-read that whole scenario and imagine that your body and mind are the gas tank. OUCH! It is really the same notion, it is really the same way that we sometimes treat ourselves. We expect our bodies and minds to keep going indefinitely without the proper fuel.
“Self-care is one of the active ways that I love myself. When you can and as you can, in ways that feel loving, make time and space for yourself.”
With that being said, we are days away from what has become known as the holiday to celebrate love, Valentine’s Day. Loved ones and friends around the world exchange candy, upscale dinner dates, gifts, flowers, and other expressions of affection. And, while you may be the giver or recipient of some, or all, of these lovely sentiments, I would encourage you to treat yourself just as well.
I have put together a list of ways you can show love and care to yourself. Sometimes, you have to think outside of the box, be creative and realize that there are so many ways for us to nourish our minds and bodies to fill our own gas tanks, before we pour into others.
Browse a bookstore for a book that catches your attention. Remember, it can be relaxing to find an interesting and light read, sometimes. Get lost in a good story that can take you away from your everyday norm.
Create a brand new recipe or update an old favorite. Make an entire evening out of it. For example, if you choose Mexican food, set the entire mood. Make a cocktail that complements the meal, and even play music of Mexican origin.
Enjoy a long, bubble bath or an aromatherapy-filled shower right in your own home. Turn off your electronics, light a candle, and just relax.
Come up with a new exercise routine. Working out does not have to be a chore. There are so many different types of movement geared towards strengthening, while relaxing you at the same time. For example, Yoga is a great mind/body exercise. In addition to physical postures, you engage different breathing techniques, and even meditation.
And last, but not least, buy yourself a box of chocolates (my favorite are pecan and caramel dipped in chocolate, just saying), and a bouquet of your favorite fresh flowers. Enjoy dinner from your favorite restaurant, do not be afraid to eat alone. It may feel awkward at first, but I know from experience that the feeling passes. Think about it, you do not have to share, and there’s no judgment about what you’ve ordered! Lol!
Now, I realize that some of these options are not as easy as others, especially when you may have a house full of little ones. But, part of the commitment to loving and caring for yourself means figuring out how to make it happen from time to time. We schedule appointments with doctors, supervisors, teachers, and even lunch dates with friends, the least we can do is pencil ourselves in, once or twice a month at minimum. If it doesn’t quite go as planned, don’t beat yourself up, reschedule and try again. Prayerfully, you have a long life ahead of you, you’ve got time to figure it all out, just do it.