just like everybody else i sometimes become stressed, freak out about the future or just feel sad. when this occurs i typically start in with the self-deprecating behavior. for example i start to sleep too much, eat mass amounts of chocolate, listen to sad music, etc. when used in moderation all these things can be helpful...my problem is moderation :)
so. what to do. well, here are five (of many) things that have been proven to help me time and time again:
1. yoga. love it love it love it. even if i'm in a place that i can't do yoga, i can do yoga breathing and my body naturally starts to relax as if i were actually doing yoga.
2. talk to someone. i have an awesome support system (you know who you are :). when tension or anxiety starts to build i just call someone and talk it out. every single time i'm essentially 100% better when i get off the phone.
3. exercise. i'm not a runner but if i'm feeling down running makes me feel so powerful, alive, healthy, etc. do something active with a friend. take a walk. i love walking and noticing things around me. i particularly like walking through older neighborhoods (i.e. center street in provo was an old haunt of mine). find a place you like and make it a go to place to de-stress.
4. shower. typically when sad or stressed i'm not feeling too great about myself. so i take a hot shower, shave, use apricot scrub, condition my hair for a few extra minutes, etc. afterwards i take my time putting on lotion, doing my hair (which doesn't require much for me), get dressed cute or comfy...you'll know which you require. now you've taken the initiative to pamper and take care of yourself, you're spirits will recognize this.
5. organize. this is definitely not one for everyone. if the prospect of cleaning or getting organized stresses you out...skip it. it's not important. for me if i tidy my room, change my sheets, make the bed, fold and hang up my clothes i feel like i've accomplished something, taken control.
side note. i was hanging out with my good friend duard the other day who brilliantly said, "i need to be content with the great things in my life." love it. i'm working to remember that :)
so. what helps you when stressed/sad/anxious/etc.?
This list is hot chocolate for my soul. :)
ReplyDeleteI think most of these would work for me too. I love what duard said. I also like reading a book. Books kinda take me to another realm and then when I return to my troublesome thoughts they often have subconsciously organized themselves in a more agreeable manner. Love you Katesy. I know I'm so me-oriented all the time...but I thought you should know it was good timing for me. Thank you.
*by "it" I meant your post.
ReplyDeleteValery, if you're "me-oriented" then what does that make the rest of us?? :) Katy, you're so healthy! I've got to expand my go-to when sad repertoire beyond eating tons of sweets and going to bed at 7:30. I do heart apricot scrub tho! Cheers!
ReplyDeletekaty, this post is awesome, cause you actually put in words strategies to deal with yourself, as it were. now i'm feeling inspired to do the same. i'm going to add crafting something pretty. headbands have taken over my free time, and i like it!
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