There are tons of things people will tell you for how to de-stress. Some are great and may work for you. But I find that many of those tips are short term things that don’t really fix the root of the problem.
Here are some longer term stress management strategies that I have found can help:
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep
You knew that would be my first recommendation! Give your body everything it needs to have a fighting chance against stress and everything life throws at you. Stress affects you on a cellular level, and you need all that good nutrition and rest to help your body process and regulate the hormones.
Find that one thing that makes you happy, and do it every day
And I mean really truly stupid happy. If you don’t have something that comes to mind, then it’s time to start experimenting. For me, it’s singing. I’m not any good, but driving with the windows down, music up and singing along is the best part of my day. (There may be some dancing as well) I try to get it all out, so by the time I get home, all the work stress that’s been building up all day has been processed and it’s no longer bothering me.
Stop caring what people think
We put so much pressure on ourselves to be or act a certain way to prove ourselves to the people around us. Take some time to really think about what is important to you and why, and work on those things. Let the rest go. People see me singing in the car, and they stare or they laugh, but you know what? I don’t care. I feel good, and if they are laughing, they are smiling, which means I made someone smile.
Literally just relaxing, daily
Take a hot bath, meditate, do some yoga, or get a massage. Maybe taking a long hot bubble bath sounds amazing, but you are a big manly man and are concerned about how that may be perceived. Dude, let it go. Your secret is safe with us. You know what’s not manly? Having a panic attack because you didn’t make yourself a priority. So light those scented candles, and sink nose deep into some relaxation.
Keeping a sense of humor
Especially about things you can’t change. Snark will keep you young! When something bad happens, and you know something always will, train yourself not to wallow in the bad, but to find that silver lining. And if you can’t, just openly laugh about how bad it is.
Having fun with family and friends
The good ones, not the toxic ones. Avoid all toxic people as best you can.
Reprioritize
I started Bullet Journaling a few years ago. (If you don’t know what “BuJo” is have some fun on Pinterest discovering it.) Essentially it’s a to-do list, agenda, and life organizer. I’m not very artistic so mine is pretty plain. But it’s as encompassing as you need it to be. I use mine mainly to track everything I’m working on, and I carry it with me always. Nothing like a to-do list to make you feel like your life is in order. I have a running list of my life goals, and every few months I look them over and adjust my sails if need be.
Volunteering in your community
Taking time to give back can be a great way to give you some perspective. Look at all you have, how far you’ve come, all you have to offer.
Turn off all your screens
That’s right I said it. The constant input of information, is wreaking havoc on our senses. Start with 10 minutes a night, and work your way up. Let life go on without you. It will be there for you in the morning. You may even find that you don’t need it anymore
No matter what is going on in your life that is stressing you out… the ONE thing you can change right now, is your attitude about it. I know when you are in it, it is tough to see the edges, but take a step back, try to find a way to deal with it in bite sized chunks. Let me know what ends up working for you!
