8 Tips to Manage Stress
Stress is inevitable - especially these days. Life is faster paced than ever before, and the world is facing so many large scale challenges that it is hard to avoid the stress that seems to come at us from every angle.
Since becoming a parent, my stress levels have sky rocketed. My life choices now have greater impact and considerations than ever before, I am RESPONSIBLE for the well being of two different and brilliant children, and time seems to always be of the essence. I’ve had to learn a few things about stress - and how to keep it manageable.
Sleep is life. Seriously, one of the keystone pieces of healing my mental health after almost breaking when I had my kids, was making sure I got a better quality (and of course quantity) of sleep. To make sure you are getting the sleep you need to function at your best, keep good sleep hygiene and routines, and check with your doctor if taking supplements may help you get (and stay) asleep each night.
Exercise for your head, not your butt. Sure exercise is necessary to have a healthy and trim body, but what it helps me most with is getting my frustrations out, and giving me the cocktail of feel good hormones that keep stress down and manageable.
Use food to keep you strong against stress. It’s easy to fall into comfort foods and vices when life starts to get you down. However, eating reasonably well and keeping those vices in check is the best way to keep you resilient against stress. Keep sugar, fast and processed foods, and alcohol to a minimum. The healthier your body is, the less the stress will get you down.
Meditate to clear your head of the stressful thoughts. A little can go a long way here. I aim for 10 minutes a day of sitting and focusing on my breath or a mantra while I give my brain a break of thinking about my to-do list or worries.
Downsize your task list. If you are feeling stressed because you simply just have too much to do and too little time - do less. Take a serious picture of all that you are trying to do, and whittle it down to what is necessary. Remember, even if something still needs doing, maybe the timeline in which it can get done can be stretched out. Try to let go of the things you can’t get around to. We all only have 24 hours a day and once you get good sleep, exercise and healthy eating in there, that leaves you with a finite amount of time to “accomplish” things. Be ok with letting some stuff go.
Laugh. A huge stress buster is laughter and social connection. SO while you are downsizing your task list, DO make sure you’re factoring in some time to have fun, connect with a friend, and laugh until it hurts.
Ask for help. When specific things are stressing you out, like trying to make a strategic decision in your life or career, solving a problem, or nurturing a challenging relationship, know that you can solicit the help of a coach for objective support. You don’t have to carry the weight of your world alone - a coach can help you navigate what needs to be done, what you need to let go, and how to nourish your soul during the process. You can book a free 30 minute consultation with me here.
Get a massage. The stressors will still be there when you get off the table, but you will feel stronger to carry them once you’ve taken 60 or 90 minutes to rest your body and mind. Taking a step away from any problem can help us find greater clarity when we return. Massage will not only rub the tension out of your muscles, but give you that soul boost you need to get back into the ring of this stressful life. Get 10$ off your first massage here.
These a just a few things that I do to help me manage stress - but I’d love to hear fro m you in the comments - anything I overlooked? What do you do to help manage your stress? Pop your ideas into the comments!!!
