We all know what it's like to find ourselves stressed. Stress is a part of everyday life. It's a constant. Even people who don't think they're stressed probably are in some way. And the best way to move forward is to figure out ways to manage it. We need to find the best ways to shelve it and ensure that we're functioning at our fullest potential, as only we can.
I'm not saying that's going to be easy, but I am saying that it can be done. And though I'm not always the best example, I do definitely have the right ideas. So - here are a few ways you can reduce your stress - consider which ones will work for you.
1.
Organize
If you’re like me, you think you thrive off of the clutter in your life. Guess what? You don’t. Try to organize, even if you’re tackling one area at a time. Start with your kitchen island. That’s probably where I need to begin. Or the entryway to your home. Find a place to put your keys every time you walk in the door. And a place for the mail so it doesn’t pile up. Organize to make things easier for you. Don’t fight it, it really works.
If you’re like me, you think you thrive off of the clutter in your life. Guess what? You don’t. Try to organize, even if you’re tackling one area at a time. Start with your kitchen island. That’s probably where I need to begin. Or the entryway to your home. Find a place to put your keys every time you walk in the door. And a place for the mail so it doesn’t pile up. Organize to make things easier for you. Don’t fight it, it really works.
2.
Exercise
I know, I know. You barely have time to shower and brush your teeth, and here I’m telling you to exercise? Find twenty minutes. That’s all I’m suggesting. Ten will work, if twenty is too much to commit to. Something about getting the endorphins going gives you a rush and reduces stress. There’s scientific evidence out there, but I’m just speaking from experience.
I know, I know. You barely have time to shower and brush your teeth, and here I’m telling you to exercise? Find twenty minutes. That’s all I’m suggesting. Ten will work, if twenty is too much to commit to. Something about getting the endorphins going gives you a rush and reduces stress. There’s scientific evidence out there, but I’m just speaking from experience.
3.
Keep a calendar
Use an app on your phone, a pen and paper, or old-fashioned planner, whatever it is that works for you. Keep your events jotted down somewhere that isn’t the back of an envelope or a post-it note. Do it. You’ll be so much more organized (now head back to #1 if you need a reminder on why that’s important!).
Use an app on your phone, a pen and paper, or old-fashioned planner, whatever it is that works for you. Keep your events jotted down somewhere that isn’t the back of an envelope or a post-it note. Do it. You’ll be so much more organized (now head back to #1 if you need a reminder on why that’s important!).
4.
Plan meals
I am absolutely 100% guilty of not doing this. But I hope to start in 2016. Because everyone I talk to who does it finds it to be the best thing ever. Plan your meals. Be flexible, because, well, you’re parents - you know how it goes! But plan them for a few reasons; to help you shop more efficiently, to use up what you have in your freezer/pantry, and to help you budget better. Which brings me to number 5.
I am absolutely 100% guilty of not doing this. But I hope to start in 2016. Because everyone I talk to who does it finds it to be the best thing ever. Plan your meals. Be flexible, because, well, you’re parents - you know how it goes! But plan them for a few reasons; to help you shop more efficiently, to use up what you have in your freezer/pantry, and to help you budget better. Which brings me to number 5.
5.
Take control of your budget
Parents know that once baby comes home the expenses pretty much triple. From diapers and wipes, to car seats and strollers, it’s never-ending—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. But sometimes it seems like the money coming in doesn’t mesh with the money going out. Budget. Create one and use it. It will help ease your mind the next time you want to meet a friend for coffee and realize that a really pretty cup of coffee tends to cost about $6 a cup.
Parents know that once baby comes home the expenses pretty much triple. From diapers and wipes, to car seats and strollers, it’s never-ending—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. But sometimes it seems like the money coming in doesn’t mesh with the money going out. Budget. Create one and use it. It will help ease your mind the next time you want to meet a friend for coffee and realize that a really pretty cup of coffee tends to cost about $6 a cup.
6.
Take some time for yourself
Impossible, right? Just about as easy as fitting in time to exercise. I know it. I really do. Especially if you have really young children. But try! Let your friends and family watch your kids and go get your hair cut or your nails done. Go to the library or bookstore. Go take a bath instead of a shower. Do it. Your stress levels will drop considerably.
Impossible, right? Just about as easy as fitting in time to exercise. I know it. I really do. Especially if you have really young children. But try! Let your friends and family watch your kids and go get your hair cut or your nails done. Go to the library or bookstore. Go take a bath instead of a shower. Do it. Your stress levels will drop considerably.
7.
Make time for friends
I’m sure you’ve got a ton of questions at this point. Starting with the typical - where am I supposed to get all of this time? Plan for it. It’s the one thing I wish someone had made me do when my daughter was an infant. I waited way too long before I set some time aside to go out with friends. And you know what? My daughter (and my husband!) survived when I did. Do it. Take time to enjoy life with other moms. And I’m not just talking about the chatter at the playground. Make time.
I’m sure you’ve got a ton of questions at this point. Starting with the typical - where am I supposed to get all of this time? Plan for it. It’s the one thing I wish someone had made me do when my daughter was an infant. I waited way too long before I set some time aside to go out with friends. And you know what? My daughter (and my husband!) survived when I did. Do it. Take time to enjoy life with other moms. And I’m not just talking about the chatter at the playground. Make time.
8.
Laugh
Laughter really is good medicine. Whether it’s a funny movie, book, shared story with a friend. Allow yourself to laugh. You’ll forget about any stresses you have, if only for a brief moment. But that moment will be well worth it.
Laughter really is good medicine. Whether it’s a funny movie, book, shared story with a friend. Allow yourself to laugh. You’ll forget about any stresses you have, if only for a brief moment. But that moment will be well worth it.
So, there
you have it, eight easy ideas to help you reduce stress. What do you think you would add to this list?
* Another version of this post was published on the Postpartum Support International blog. Content is entirely mine. *
For me when I nail number seven and number eight the rest seem to naturally fall in place. When I missing one or both of those my life is stressful and chaotic.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tips. It's all about balance. You're so right about making time for friends. Sometimes we get so busy especially working online. We turn into hermits. I have a standing weekly coffee with friends on Thursday morning. I always look forward to it even though it's insanely early.
ReplyDeleteI know the exercise part really helps. And when I'm exercising regularly, I actually get more done. Really.
ReplyDeleteAll great suggestions, especially the laughing. That always helps me the most.
ReplyDeleteI do all of those things...except they tend to go in the direction of obsessive because well...illness and controlling the chaos and backfiring...but they do help so much when ducks are all in a row. I mean my closet is colour coordinated and my DVD's are alphabetized. *Cough issues Cough*
ReplyDeleteLaughter is a HUGE lifesaver and I have a pinterest board just for that.