Stressed
December 7th, 2010 by editor
Stressed, too much to do? Feeling overwhelmed? Bills, kids, family, job? Maybe you feel stressed because you are alone.
Ever forget things because your brain is just too full to even remember where you left your keys? Many of us feel the same way and each person’s situation is different. With all the new gadgets and time constraints and so many people doing more and more everyday it can get crazy.
The question is how do we come out of the tired, overwhelmed, black cloud feeling?
I am going to share a few ways I have found to help me reduce some of the stress.
Sleep – Sleep should be at the top of your list and mine. It helps recharge your system prevent exhaustion. It is one of the hardest things to do and most people don’t get enough. I know I am guilty of this. When I get the sleep my body requires, which is different for everyone, I feel much more in tune with the day and stress seems more manageable.
Never forget to act like a kid – go to the park and swing on the swings. Listen to the children playing. Go for a walk and see how many shades of green you can count, or red, or orange. Think of the simple things kids find entertaining and dig in. Close your eyes and just listen to the sounds of life. Smile at everyone you pass and see how many people you can get to smile back at you.
Music – whatever your most loved music is listen to it. If you can get some time alone at home crank up the music and just dance. Act like a kid. Shake it! It will improve your mood instantly. Just try it. Lock yourself in the bathroom with a radio if you have to. If you can’t get time alone at home go sit in a parking lot and crank the radio and sing at the top of your lungs. You know you want to. You might feel weird at first but once you see how much better you feel you will love it.
Gratitude - being thankful for the simplest things in life will really make you appreciate what you have. It is amazing how all the things you think you need will disappear. Be thankful your kids make a mess of the house because that means they feel comfortable there and call it home. Be thankful for the laundry and dishes because it means you have family. Be thankful that you are lucky enough to get out of bed every morning because you are not sick and you are alive. Make a list, add to it, and read it every day. Carry it with you.
Journal – Spend time by yourself and journal it all. Get the stress out of your system and write it out on the paper. Let the paper hold the stress not you. Even if you have never written in a journal before just write what is going on that day. Write when something goes good or bad. Soon you will be amazed how the stress just starts to flow out and how much better you will start to feel. Even five minutes a day will help.
Volunteer – you have heard the saying that the more you give the more you get. It is true and it works. If you feel like you can’t make a difference you are wrong. Senior Centers are a great place to volunteer. They are looking for the same things we are. They just want someone to give them time and attention. If you have a family, volunteer as a family and teach your kids that helping others is a great way to contribute. There are so many great programs in Boise and in any state. Ask around or do some re-search online. Share you gifts with others. Chances are that what you love to do, others will benefit from. Your skills, love, and your help can make a difference.
Quotes – I love quotes and when I get down I go online and read lots and lots of quotes to lift my spirits. I save and print the ones I really like and keep them by my computer and look at them often. It is amazing how just the right quote can speak volumes.
Stop and relax several times a day. When you sit at a stop light or stop sign think about relaxing your shoulders, take a deep breath and smile. While you are sitting for 30min waiting for a teenager who was supposed to be ready when you pull up to come to the car, breathe and pull out your Gratitude list or your quotes.
One important thing I have learned is that we need to take care of ourselves because no one else will. Make it a priority and use whatever techniques work for you.
The bottom line is we all have a lot to do and everyone is trying to figure out how to get it all in. Doing things that make you laugh and smile will help.
Push yourself to the fullest potential, and don’t allow yourself to give up. But also remember, to take a break, and don’t lose yourself in the process.
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