Okay, we all have those days where the world seems to hate us, and anything/everything goes wrong, or opposite from what we had in mind. The times when all we want to do is give up, or just hibernate like bears do. Just know you're not alone. Each of us face stress or stressful situations, daily. However, how we handle being stressed determines how it affects our lives, or even our faces, (I mean, pimples/break-outs from stress are just so much more stressful).
So, how do we avoid becoming one of these statistics? Well, here's what I try to do, or remind myself to do, during stressful times.
1. Take a nap.
Those days where all of life's problems can only be solved by taking a nap. Sometimes, you just need to escape into dreamland and get away from reality. Understandable, but you also know those naps where you wake up and immediately regret napping? Like, you did not mean to sleep that long, and now you're preparing to be up all night.
We all remember the good ole days of nap-time in school. (Idk why we had to get rid of those). Either way, schedule a nap-time during your day! The National Sleep Foundation, (yeah, I didn't know that existed either,) recommends:
"A short nap usually (20-30 minutes) for short-term alertness. This type of nap provides significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep."
2. Workout.
Not exactly the advice we want to hear, or necessarily take, but most can agree that you feel so much better after working out. Whether you go on a run or you head to the gym and take your frustrations out on the weights, your body will thank you.
Exercise of any kind is both helpful and beneficial, simply go outside, walk on a treadmill, or take a class. Create your perfect playlist, turn your music loud and turn the world around you off. All you have to do is devote that time to your body.
According to 13 Unexpected Benefits of Exercise,
• Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. -- an immediate stress relief.
• Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. -- although your mind may be somewhere else, your body is focused on functioning, and it's excited.
• A heart-pumping gym session can boost creativity for up to two hours afterwards. -- this may be what you need to find the solution to your problems.
3. Listen to good music in general.
We're all guilty of playing music according to the mood we're in. And this is usually not an issue, however, when your mood calls for "Nothing" by the Script, don't do it. Although, feeling tears stream down your face at the same time a relatable lyric plays is healing in it's own way, it's not fun. Funny? Yes. Fun? Not so much.
Plus, there is such good music out, especially right now!! Turning on Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper is guaranteed to lift your mood and spirits immediately. Or, you have Drake's new album, Views, which will remind you of what really matters. Anti by Rih Rih is sure to take your mind off of all your troubles. And in case those aren't the vibe you need, Queen B just dropped the world's jaw with Lemonade, (see, everyone deals with sh*t.)
So, after your nap, "hop up out the bed and get your swag on, look in the mirror, say, "What's up?" What's up, what's up, what's up".
4. Take a bath or go swimming.
When I was younger I used to scream under the water in the pool and please tell me I'm not the only one... haha! Although I haven't done that in awhile, I feel like it could still make me feel better, or give me a good laugh at least.
A bath is sure to relax you, and if the water is hot enough your mind won't be focused on any outside problems. Add some epsom salt or Skin-So-Soft, light some candles, or finally use that bath bomb you've been saving for a time like this!
5. Read the Bible.
Now, if the thought of opening your bible makes you more uncomfortable or stressed, then skip ahead. However, for those who are familiar with God's word, you know it can solve all of your problems as soon as you read a verse. Somehow, my problems always seem so much smaller than they were before after I read the bible, and there is no better feeling.
6. Be outside.
If it's night time, perfect! Go outside and just, look up. The stars will shine a little brighter and suddenly you're reminded of the size of your existence. If your day is going badly, do you notice any clouds? Feel a cool breeze? Can you take time to soak under the sun? Simply being one with nature, or realizing the creations around you, may make you take in the fresh air a little harder. Inhale and exhale, it'll all be okay.
7. Adjust the lights.
Dim lighting, or fun christmas lights can change the mood of a room instantly. It's all about the ambiance people! Don't let your environment be an extra stress factor.
8. Pinterest > Quote Section.
This never fails to put my soul at ease. Relating to other people's thoughts, or seeing the advice I needed, makes me feel so much better about life and it's little problems.
Like all of your favorite quotes, or create an inspo board, and use them to remind yourself of what's really important. We could all use some good advice, or inspiration.
9. Go through old pictures or memories.
Oh, when times seemed so much simpler. Although this can be a painful reminder of how things used to be, it's sure to bring some smiles to your face. Re-watching old Snapchats that you've saved, or seeing a picture that brings back a million memories, should remind you that life is fun and that this storm shall pass.
10. Say a little prayer, like the Serenity prayer.
And if all else fails, just remember that life will never throw anything your way that you cannot handle, so never doubt that you're capable.
