We all deal with Daily Stress, and to be fair, stress is not always bad, as it can act as a motivator. The problem is when it becomes overwhelming and unmanageable.
As a Lupus sufferer, I know that my stress levels impact my health and can also negatively affect the people around me, so I actively seek ways to keep them down.
We can all do many things to decrease our stress, such as creating healthy habits, which can help minimise stress and lift our moods.
Even though I try hard to keep the small everyday stresses in perspective, I still need to find ways to lift myself out of down moments or shake off stressful days.
Give yourself snooze time.
I am not a morning person at all! And waking up on time … anyways
As part of my morning routine, my alarm goes off at 5,30 even though I don’t necessarily need to be up until 6 am allowing me to have a further 30 minutes of snooze time if required.
Alternatively, I can spend the extra time chilling in bed watching my iPad, even procrastinating.
Me identifying that I need to be able to wake up slowly and allowing time for that starts my day off on a better foot.
Exercise
Yes, exercise!
Stressful situations increase the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in our bodies which are basically “fight or flight” hormones designed to protect us from danger. In these modern times, not many stressful situations can be remedied by fighting or running away. Still, any physical exercise can be used as a surrogate to burn off excess stress hormones and restore your body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state.
Go outside To remove Daily Stress
There have been times at work when I have been on edge with stress, and simply leaving the office for 15 minutes and going outside to the shops or walking around the block for a breath of fresh air has been enough to help calm me down.
Give yourself something to look forward to
I love having holidays booked in advance then; on those days that I am at work contemplating flipping my desk over, I have something to look forward to. Or I like to spoil myself; I recently purchased an LV bag I had wanted for YEARS and was initially guilty about spending so much on a bag. At the same time, there were so many more constructive things you could have used on my bills, and the mortgage is not going anywhere for now, so the way I see it, I am keeping up with my responsibility. I haven’t created a debt for myself. There is no reason why I shouldn’t spoil myself now and then.
Don’t be afraid to make adjustments when necessary.
Regularly take a look at your schedule and commitments and simplify them, considering what is essential and what you can do.
For example, I feel like I have to be super productive on the weekends and try to pack as much stuff as I can; the majority of the time, this isn’t a problem, but if I have had a stressful week or a Lupus flare I must scale down my responsibilities and commitments to ensure that I am allowing my body and mind the time to recharge itself without feeling guilty.
I’m not going to say this is an easy thing to do, and I defiantly find it hard to permit myself to temporally step back from some of my commitments, especially if it is something that I have arranged with family members or friends I know I will be better off in the long run.
Talk to Someone
I can say that 2018 was one of the most stressful years I have ever had, so several friends and family have regularly asked me how I was coping. Then the next question would be, “How do you do it?”
I think that utilising my close friends to talk through things I am going through has definitely helped to keep.
Stress can cloud your judgement and prevent you from seeing things, so talking things through with a friend, work colleague, or even a trained professional, can help you find solutions to your stress and put your problems into perspective.
Talking can also work by distracting you from your stressful thoughts or releasing some of the built-up tension by discussing it.
Learn to Say ‘No’
One of the leading causes of stress is having too much to do. Too little time in which to do it, yet in this situation, many people will still agree to take on additional responsibilities; saying “No” to other or unimportant requests will help reduce your stress level and could also help you develop more self-confidence.
I understand that it is not always easy to say “No” (I still have problems telling certain people no); however, you could Instead think of some pre-prepared phrases to let other people down more gently.
You may find the following phrases helpful:
“I am sorry, but I have other priorities now.”
“Right now is not a good time as I’m in the middle of something. Why don’t you ask me again at….?”
“I’d love to, but ….”
Take time for yourself.
What’s a quick activity or treat refreshes and relaxes you?
For me, it would have to be a cheeky bath not only because it’s my time to relax and meditate soaking also helps to soothe sore muscles and woollen joints, which I often get as a Lupus sufferer.
Be grateful
As bad as things seem, they can always be worse, and many people would love to have your problems, so try to focus on the positive in your life.
What makes you happy what are you grateful
Stepping back and finding something you are grateful for can quickly change your perspective!
Rest up!
Making sure you have ample rest is critical! Besides having so much more energy, your brain will function better, and your physical health will improve.
Your body restores itself while sleeping, so your entire body will thank you when you prioritise giving yourself a decent night’s sleep.
I hope you enjoyed this post.
What do you do to help with daily stress?
Please comment below.
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Lee-Anne x
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