Needless to say, I've been a bit overwhelmed over this past week. I've been researching stress busters and have tried out the following 8 techniques. The next time you feel stress creeping into your life, give these a try. They really do work.
1. Practice letting go. The next time you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, make a conscious decision to let go of what you cannot control. Do not waste any time or energy unnecessarily. Change what you can control, and let the rest go. This one takes practice, but once mastered, it's a life saver.
2. Get a massage. If you have someone in your life that will do this for you, let them. If not, visit a professional. There is no better way to get the stress out of your body than by having someone help you release the tension in your muscles. Plus, it just feels good.
3. Take a break. If you are feeling stressed, stop doing whatever it is you are doing. Take a walk outside, fix yourself a cup of tea, doodle on a notepad. Just change your activity. I was having a hard tine with this one, because I spend much of my day in a classroom with kids. It would seem as if I can't just stop what I'm doing and take a break whenever I want to, but I can. I just have to change my actions. So, if I'm feeling stressed about how my students are responding to whole class instruction, I can finish the lesson and put them into small groups. I can change what I'm doing no matter what is happening. It's all about choice.
4. Talk to a friend. Often, we get so busy that we don't make time to cultivate our friendships. That business is a huge stressor in our lives. Take 10 minutes to call your bestie. Just interacting with someone who loves you just because you are you is incredibly calming.
5. Nip that stress in the bud. Stress is a cycle. If you catch it right at the onset, you can change your feeling about what it is that is stressing you. If your overflowing email inbox is stressing you out, stop, breathe, and think. Is this something that is life or death? Is it worth getting worked up over? Set a goal and move through the job that is causing you stress in steps. I promise the world will not stop spinning if you do not answer all of those email today. Once you realize that most of the things that cause stress really are not that important, the stress goes away and peace moves in.
6. Take a walk. Fresh air and sunshine are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and to ease nerves. An added benefit . . . you get your workout done for the day. Nothing like killing two bird with one stone to ease your stress.
7. Get out of your head. Practicing yoga and meditating are great ways to do this. Spending some time focusing on your breath and your body will force you to stop focusing on the things that stress you out. You will feel much more relaxed and able to face life afterward.
8. Smile. It seems so simple. Actually it is. when you smile even when you don't feel like it, something happens. Your pulse slows, your mood lightens, and the people around you smile back. What a simple way to make everything seem brighter. Try it.
It's that easy. I suppose I'll be continuing to practice these stress busters over the next week while I wait for the new test to be scheduled, and I travel back and forth to doctor appointments. I'll keep you updated on how it all goes.
I hope you try some of these out! Stay chill, my amazing friends!