The 2020 Guide to Dealing with stress
I’ve gotten a lot of requests in the past few months for ways to combat stress. Obviously it’s been a stressful year and everyone’s feeling that. I’ve definitely felt the pressure of saying the wrong thing on social media during this year’s social and current events – way more than ever before. My brands have kept me busy AF, Capri needs more stimulation than ever, Paul and I have renovated part of our home…oh, and the whole pandemic thing. It’s a lot!
I actually have a HOW I DEAL WITH STRESS article that I wrote years ago which is still pretty relevant. Music, social media breaks, and working out are still part of my routine for relieving stress. At the same time, that list was pre-baby, pre-brands, pre-team, pre-pandemic, and shit has changed. So I figured it was time to update the list with a few new tips.
+ Reading before bed
I find that a lot of my stress comes from what I consume. The news, social media, DMs, conference calls, texts, Capri’s apps in the background, reality TV, whatever. My mind is constantly being fed information to process and it can take hours to come down from that buzz at night. I’ve gotten back into my reading-before-bed habit in the last couple of months and it’s saving me. I love getting lost in whatever storyline I’m reading and tend to keep it pretty light before bed. I also generally try to consume less and read more on the weekends to give my brain a reset.
+ Assess how you feel
I’ve already shared that I’m not a fan of typical morning routines and I’d say the same for any sort of structured routine. Some days, I’m motivated to jump into work ASAP and don’t feel overwhelmed. Other times, I know I won’t be able to focus on work until I do the laundry, clean up my closet, or have 1-on-1 time with my Capri Sun. On those days, I handle that stuff before even attempting to work.
I know not everyone has the luxury to choose how you want to structure your day with work, but most of us can choose how we start our days. Listen to your body or whatever the f*ck your mind needs and give into that, instead of ignoring what’s eating at you.
+ Calling friends
I’ve never loved talking on the phone. I’d much rather quickly text or spend time with someone in person. But since we’re still being pretty strict on the “quarantine” thing, I don’t have the option of seeing all of my friends and have genuinely missed connecting and catching up with them – more so than you can do on a text.
If you’re feeling stressed or like you need a minute, pick up the phone and call your friend. You can get much more out of a conversation when you’re on the phone vs. text, even if it feels like you don’t have time for it. And I guarantee the connection will melt away stress.
+ Be real
Do you, follow your gut, DGAF, whatever you want to call it…the point is that being real makes life less stressful. Hear me out!
When you’re constantly trying to say the perfect thing or please everyone or mold yourself into some more likable version of yourself, you’ll never feel good. You’ll never feel aligned with who you are and you’ll constantly be searching to please. F*ck that,
Even through all the heavy sh*t this year has brought, I’ve stayed true to myself. I’ve spoken up when I wanted to, I’ve handled things in private when I wanted to, and I’ve stuck to my morals throughout everything. It might sound lame AF, but I truly believe that trusting your gut and who you are as a person will always make life simpler – something we could all use more of right now.
I have way more ideas for dealing with stress or chilling out, and instead of repeating myself a million times, I’ll list out those articles here. Keep clicking around if you want more specific ideas:
+ IDEAS FOR SELF IMPROVEMENT RIGHT NOW
+ HOW I GET SHIT DONE
+ EVERYTHING I USE TO CHILL THE F*CK OUT
+ WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR LIFE IS A HOT MESS
+ WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU NEED TO RECHARGE
+ HOW TO CREATE A HEALTHY SLEEP REGIMEN
+ HOW TO STAY POSITIVE
What do you do to deal with stress?