how gorgeous are these roses? I have them in this vase. Another stress reliever.
10 Things I Do to Alleviate Stress
- When I wake up in the morning, I have this ritual where I straighten out my body, prop my head and neck up on two pillows and place both hands outside of the covers and on top of my chest. I lay there for 5 minutes taking deep breaths. It really sets the tone for my day before I go downstairs and the rush begins!
- I plan an errand day in my week. Usually this is on Monday or Tuesday but it is a day where I can get all of the personal tasks done that accumulate at the end of the previous week or over the weekend. Usually this entails package returns, dry cleaning, car wash, grocery store, donations, errands for the kids, gas up the car – anything that feels like a lingering to-do gets tackled in one day (rather than trying to fit it in when I’m already in a groove with work or getting stuff done around the house).
- I open up our windows and doors for 30 minutes in the morning. Even if the air is freezing! Something about the fresh air circulating through our house makes me feel calmer.
- Move my body. The most simple way for me to get out of my head and into my body. I find that a community class with other people working towards the same goal/energy is the most supportive!
- Adding little treats into my daily essentials – something as simple as lemon in my water, cinnamon in my coffee, treating myself to the good creamer, making a pretty parfait for breakfast. Indulging myself when I can!
- I keep my phone in one place instead of taking it with me all the time. I read a new year’s resolution to think of your phone as a landline and I love that idea. I try to keep mine on the windowsill in our kitchen and check it when I feel the need, instead of letting it constantly interrupt me.
- Write things down. I constantly have a million notepads on rotation. I no longer think of them as pretty to-do list pads but instead just random ideas – whether it is grocery lists, anxiety in the middle of the night, post ideas, emails I want to send – I love getting those thoughts out of my head (where they usually get forgotten!).
- Do something spontaneous. Whenever I need to step away from the moment that I’m in, I suggest something spontaneous. Usually this is nothing very exciting but it pulls me away from a moment that is making me feel stuck. Some days it is a quick walk around the block, other days it is a lunch date with Dave.
- Plan something fun. I don’t know about you but I have instances Monday-Wednesday where life feels very monotonous. I’m in the cycle of healthy habits, productivity, evening routines, making dinners and I start to get a little bored and irritated. I love to have a fun family dinner out on Thursdays! It gives me something to look forward to. Usually this is to our local favorite Mexican restaurant that the whole family loves.
- I schedule some self care. This is usually in the form of a facial or getting my nails done. There is something about treating myself to a treat that makes me feel prettier (ha).
I hope this is helpful! I feel like I have been served so many suggestions for supplements, nervous system resets, apps to follow, diets – and honestly, that stuff just overwhelms me. Like why can’t it be more simple? I can do simple. All of these things are easy choices to make at home that personally help me feel a little better when I need it.
