The holidays are the least stressful time of the year for me. Can you believe it? When everyone else is running ragged, I thoroughly enjoy my month of December. I partially plan ahead, clear my plate of many outside responsibilities, and purpose in my heart to embrace the season by cutting back, and I do.
But then the new year hits, and I am back in the rat race by attempting to balance both beauty and bedlam.
The problem these last few weeks? The bedlam is winning out, and I realize it. Stress is building, and no one wins when that is the case. If I am going to balance it all – the good, bad, and ugly, what steps should I take?
What do I need to do to achieve Wonder Woman Status?No, that causes the stress. What do I need to do to manage that stress?
Re-prioritize, simplify, organize, exercise, stop comparing, stop procrastinating, spend more time snuggling on the coach with my children, take a media fast, invite cooperation in the family, pass the crown or cape to someone else, pray and….
Wait! I better stop because reading this long “to do” list is stressful. 😉 So, how about I just manage one thing right now and go from there. Based on the fact that stressed is desserts spelled backwards, maybe a chocolate cake will do the trick.
Since we all have a bit of the Wonder Woman syndrome in us somewhere, let’s encourage one another on this all too familiar journey.
What ways do you manage your stress?
I’ve definitely been feeling the stress of the rat race for the past few weeks! My 5 kids have been sharing colds, very mild ones, but the result is cranky kids stuck inside because of the weather.
I realized that I wasn’t making sure that my diet was the best, i.e. eating lots of veggies every day. I’ve also been struggling with finding time for exercise. This week is less chaotic so I’m working on those two needs to make sure I’m feeling my best. My pastor also gave me a monthly mass guide which has added a much needed boost to my spiritual life.
I take a nice soak in the tub with lavender essential oil every night.. I take my book with me, spend about 20-30 minutes reading and relaxing… then make my way to bed and read for another 15-30 minutes…
I started doing this about 8 or 10 years ago when our 4 kids were young teens.. I definitely needed a “Calgone, take me away time!”
Its so wonderful and rewarding.. I continue to do it even though all our kids are grown & moved out into their own homes now.
Sometimes, just taking 2 or 3 deep deep breaths work wonders on your stress level.. It brings you back to center, calms, & quietens your mind & spirit..
A walk in nature is always a wonderful stress reliever.. If the weather permits.. lay on the grass under a tree and just look up at the Splendor..
You cant help but let go of the stress of the day!
Deep breaths! Lots of ice water, whether I want it or not. (I get headaches when I am dehydrated.)
And finally, making, MAKING myself do one thing at a time. And recognizing that there is really only one thing that needs to be done at any given moment– despite the fact that many things feel urgent.
PRAY! Remember God is in control and is not surprised by anything that comes our way. Just take one day at a time… One thing at a time! 🙂
hydrotherapy—big tub, very hot water, bath salts!!
Yes, pray! Slow down, breath, and just say NO. Sometimes we simply need to put the list away and let the Lord direct our day. Blessings, Lisa 🙂
Laugh. I can be having the worst day but if something gives me a good laugh (my son, a movie, a picture, a friend, myself….yeah I laugh at myself a lot) I instantly feel so much better. I also made myself scented bath salt and will take a warm soak and read. If I can just get into my book for a good 15-20 minutes it allows me to really relax.
I force myself to exercise, and the more strenuous the better. I almost always feel better after! And making sure I eat real food and not junk.
I agree with Mariposa, the best way for me to relieve stress is to take a moment to pray. A lot of times that helps me remember why it is Im doing what Im doing.
I don’t think I manage my stress at all. I am one of those who can walk through the moment and get things done…but then a week later I am melted taffy on the floor. I think I will take your idea and just make a chocolate cake next time! Hope things even out for you soon.
Desserts, definitely. I never noticed that palindrome, but I will take it to heart from now on…
I’ve just finished chairing a major fundraiser for our school band, and I have been such a stress case for the last couple of months. I’ll admit I’m having a hard time calming down, even several days after the event.
My eldest daughter and I worked out together today and then took the dog for a long walk (no school this week for President’s week). Wow, I’ve got 1200 loads of laundry to do and it looks like a family of untidy squirrels have taken over our home, but boy do I feel better, having gotten out into the fresh air and sunshine! Now for some dessert.
Prayer. And candy.
go for a walk; breath long exhale/inhale, journal, pray and Trust God.