Stress Less

I'll get straight to the point:  Many of us are stressed.  Our daily lives are overburdened with activities, chores, to do lists, appointments, projects undone... the list could go on.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that eventually, most of us, will feel frustrated, defeated, with a feeling of no control of your life.  Some of you may even compare yourself to a friend, a neighbor next door who seems like he/she has it all under control and what's worse, it seems like it all happens for them so effortlessly.  

When you're stressed, everything seems to be worse than it really is. Your house seems messier, your To Do list longer and in general your life seems like it's going 120mph and you can't stop. 

We've all had moments when we just want to drop everything and cry. 

Here's a few ways to destress that might work:

1. Get out and walk - whether it's in the gym or outside in your neighborhood or park.  Oh and for those of you who are already saying "I don't have time", you HAVE to make time.  You don't have to put on your best work out clothes. Put your shoes on and get outside. The fresh air, and sun, the exercise will lift your spirit. It's even better if you can walk with a friend.
2. Go to sleep - if you're tired and still trying to get stuff done around the house, you're probably dragging and your progress is next to zero. Go to sleep, be rested for tomorrow's tasks and try again.  What's the worst that could happen? Ummm, nothing.
3. Count to 10 - or 10 to 0.... either way, you're taking your mind off whatever is worrying you.
4. Call a friend - whether it's to take your mind off your stress and worry, or to actually vent about what's worrying you. Again, you'll take your mind off your problems and maybe your friend will put a new spin on what's on your mind.
5. Do your best - who is to say that your house must be spotless.  If you are not tripping over your garbage and your bathroom doesn't smell like old, musty, "mildewy" towels, you're probably not as bad as you think you are.  Take 15 minutes to declutter and do the rest tomorrow. Oh and get others involved.  They live there too!!!!
6. Set small goals - if your daily To Do list has 20 things on it, it's probably unrealistic.  Set 3 goals on your daily agenda and stick to it.  Get the top three things done first and the rest is optional.  
7. Stop with the caffeine! - you know you've had to much when your body feels like it's on spin cycle and you can't stop shaking or feeling like you're about to get sick.  Caffeine is good, in moderation.  If you think coffee is going to help you get things done think again. 
8. Read a book - you know that book you've been meaning to read for the past 6 months. Let this be your way to destress. Read a few pages a day.  It won't take long but you'll relax, the book might lift your mood and it's a way to take a break from constant running around. 
9. Just say NO - Do not take on more than you can handle. Learn to say No when people are constantly asking you for help, involvement in projects or even asking you to go to a party you know you can't squeeze into your already busy schedule.  When you say No nicely, people will understand. 
10. Family first - spend time with your family. How many of you feel guilty for not spending time with your loved ones? Chances are some of that guilt has some 'reallness' to it.  We are so busy doing everything for everyone else, job, friend, house, that we forget that the most important people are the ones we ignore.  I know we don't do it on purpose but we need to be mindful of how we come across to them.  Drop everything and go outside with your children, sit down and talk with your spouse, call your parents, siblings, send and email.  Find out how they are doing. 
11. Find help - seriously.  If you feel like stress is controlling your life, it may be time to seek help. You might want to call a professional who can help you with the stress or someone to help you sort out some things that are triggers to your stress.