In the past, I've dealt with stress by ignoring it and pushing through until I couldn't anymore, and then I would freak out. But as someone who is now responsible for two people, I can't stick to that routine. Plus, it is not good for you mentally, emotionally, physically, and most important, spiritually. So, lately I've come up with a few little releases that help me conquer the days, weeks, and months joyfully and with thanksgiving, which brings so much more to life than just getting through the every day.
- Turn to God.
The most important thing to remember is that God is always there to help us carry our burdens. It is when we try to go through life without Him that things start to get unbalanced, and we feel like we're losing control. If we just give up control in the first place, to Him, then we can experience freedom. Whenever Dom and I get a little overwhelmed, we find peace in saying a little prayer or reading the Bible to ask for help and remind ourselves that we don't have to do anything alone.
- Prioritize.
Do not let things that are not that important ruin your day or week. Many people have the tendency to forget about what things truly deserve their attention: family, health, friends. We tend to sacrifice time spent with those we love in order to work on things that won't matter a month down the line. I keep reminding myself that the homework that is due tomorrow won't be remembered next week, but I will never get this time I could be spending with my husband, my grandmother, my mother back. Not only that, but nothing is worth making yourself sick over. It makes you unable to complete other things and defeats the purpose. It may be cliche, but it is nonetheless true that no one knows how much time they have left on earth. There are only 24 hours in a day, and they may be your last, so use them wisely and efficiently.
- Simplify.
Most things that seem complex can be taken down to a more manageable level. Though I try to make pretty involved dinners every night, I've learned that sandwiches every now and then are not a sin. Or a big pot of spaghetti. I'll wash only the clothes that are needed instead of all three loads, saving that for a day when I have more time. Simplify your life, lower your stress.
- Take a nap.
Though you may think that there is no time for a nap, when you are stressed out, you tend to work slower and make more mistakes. Not to mention that it makes your work less enjoyable. I tend to take about an hour nap every other day so that I don't fall over. Taking a short power nap (20 or 40 minutes) will rejuvenate you, helping you focus so you work faster. Plus, sleeping helps heal the brain. During sleep is when the mental mess we made during the day is cleaned up and the clutter cleared, leaving us feeling less foggy. Taking a short nap can clear your head and help you to see what you were having such a difficult time seeing before.
- Make a change.
Stress is often a result of feeling out of control. To help combat that feeling, change something about yourself or your environment. It will give you a sense of control in the midst of chaos. When I was younger I would dye and/or cut my hair whenever I felt very stressed. Now I like to try a new hairstyle or a new meal. Decorating where you work the most a little differently can not only give you a feeling of calm but also help relieve the feeling of monotony.
- Get enough sleep.
This should be an obvious one. Not getting enough sleep can cause problems mentally, emotionally, and physically. Everyone needs six to eight hours a night in order to operate normally the next day. It's better to go to sleep on time and wake up a little early to finish something than to stay up late to finish it. Performance levels decrease as the hours pass.
- Eat good food.
An active body needs the right fuel to power it. Junk food will give a temporary sugar fix but will ultimately leave the body without enough energy and feeling unsatisfied. Getting the right amount of grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy will provide you with all the energy you need to get through your busy day and will decrease the likelihood of getting sick.
- Treat yourself.
Even though you need to have a balanced and healthy diet, every now and then you need to reward yourself for working hard. Indulge in your favorite treat but make sure not to go overboard. Dom and I like to reward ourselves with a couple of scoops of ice cream a few times a week. But your reward doesn't need to be food either. Buy a pair of shoes, play some video games, take a longer nap. Anything that makes you feel like you've been rewarded.
- Ask for help.
Humans were not made to be alone, but we often tell ourselves that we are meant to go it alone. We put unnecessary pressure on ourselves with the lie that we must do everything on our own without ever getting assistance. And we let our pride step in and keep us from admitting that we are not superhuman. Whenever I've had a particularly busy day or I'm having a stressful night, I ask Dom to help me with dinner. Yes, he has his own busy schedule, but he'll stop everything to help me. And I, in return, help him when he needs it. We can't always be expected to give 100% so instead of trying to stretch your 80% the whole way, just be thankful for the people in your life who are willing and able to offer up that 20%. And look for opportunities to do the same.
- Let yourself be pampered.
During the week Dom isn't home, so I take care of the house and meals. But on the weekends, I sit back and let him take care of me a little bit. Sometimes you just need to let someone else take care of you, whether it be your husband, your family, or a spa. Don't be lazy or take advantage of them, but let yourself slow down and stop insisting on working all weekend long.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Speak your peace.