How do you react when your plans fall through? Or when people test your patience?
Do you roll with the punches? Or does anxiety keep you from being really present and enjoying yourself?
For most of my life, anxiety has been present or peeking around the corner. But here are 5 things I use to help keep stress under control:
More Rest and Sleep. It’s very common in our society to exist on less than 6 hours of sleep a night. But experts recommend 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Not just to rest our bodies, but to rejuvenate our minds. Sleeping is the time for our bodies to not just rest, but heal. I am not making any medical recommendations here but it wasn’t until I added magnesium to my routine that I have had quality sleep.
Take a walk. 10 minutes is all you need to start having a positive impact on your body’s hormones and emotional wellbeing. This is actually my favorite!
Turn it off. The convenience that cell phones have added to our lives can actually be a double-edged sword. We depend on them so much it seems we can’t live without them. Our minds are constantly filled with news, social media, emails, etc. and it is nearly impossible for us to settle. Put your phone down at least 30 minutes before bed. (I’m dedicated to getting better at this one)
Take time to unplug - a vacation if you can. It doesn’t have to be a fancy vacation resort. A change of scenery - like a day at the beach, or an afternoon at the park. Just anywhere you can be and not think about the bills, work, or whatever tensions you may have. It’s important to take time for yourself, so do it! You cannot give what you do not have.
Gratitude Distraction. When you are feeling like nothing is going right and the stress is really getting to you one of the most effective things you can do is to find as many things that you are grateful for. At least 3 - 10 is even better. As challenging as this can be for the victim or gloomy part of us, it is usually an instant mood lifter.
Any one of these suggestions can be powerful. I encourage you to try all 5. Find your favs and double down on them. I’ll be curious to hear how much more ease you experience in your life when you are consistent with them for a few weeks in a row.
Which on my list feels good for you? I’m curious, reply back to let me know.