Meeting job deadlines, completing that volunteer commitment, a child needs to be picked or delivered. Does this sound like you life? There are times when I do not even realize just how stressed I am until I have a moment to slow down and think. We move along thinking that we are doing great budgeting our time, until "bahm" we hit the wall. Suddenly, nothing is working the way it should. The house is a wreck, take-out has become the norm, your kids are waiting to be picked up, things are being left undone with your work, and you have a committee meeting tonight. Sound familiar? How do you re-gain control of your life?
It is time to step back and look at your life. When this happen in my life, first I look to see what I am doing which is not necessary. I have learned to say "no" to volunteer work. There are times when I know that I am not the best person for the job. When asked, if I cannot commit the needed time to do a through job, I graciously turn down the opportunity. If possible, I recommend someone else. I have found that being a volunteer means that you do not have to always say yes.
At other times of stress, I have found that getting back to an exercise routine helps to get the levels of stress down. We all know that exercise is not only good for keeping the extra weight off, but research has shown that reduced stress levels are good for the heart and blood pressure. I have found that just taking a walk around the neighborhood will do wonders for my outlook on my life. If something is worrying me, after a walk, I can focus on the problem and find a solution.
A healthy body can deal with stress much better than a run down fatigued body. You cannot make day to day decisions when you are tired. Getting 8 hours of sleep at night keeps you rested and able to focus on your day. It is much easier to stay relaxed in tense situations, if you are not already tired from lack of sleep. Eating a healthy diet and regular meals give your body the needed energy to function properly. It always seems that it is much easier to become ill when you are under a lot of stress. Most times this is due to the fact that you body is not being nourished properly. Our mothers have always told us to eat breakfast. They new what they were talking about. Your day is being built on the very important meal. Don't skip it.
Take time for yourself. Remember, you cannot help others if you do not help yourself. Set aside 30 minutes to 1 hour a day to do something you enjoy. Yoga, listening to music, chat with a friend, or read a fun book. Whatever it is that you enjoy, take the time to enjoy it.
Go today and start your stress free life!!
2 comments:
Doing too much, not enough sleep, I know I had to do something.
Talked to husband, told him what all I was dealing with, that I needed no more complaints, gripes. Didn't hear a gripe for 2 weeks.
Told kids I needed them doing chores without my help, that I was tired. Took a 3 hour nap, woke up, kids had done their part. My stress was gone.
Lynn, I get up around 6am and I walk aprox. 7 hours a week According to your article this is really helping my stress level remain under control, I'm a single parent and sometimes the decisions can get tough. This shows me that I need to remember that stealing this time for myself is actually for my family too (wink).
Thanks for sharing this great topic.
Lukeither,RYZE Network
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