Mental Health

Seriously Stressed? Try These 12 Self-Care Ideas…

Apr 17, 2020

If you found your way to this article, you’re probably thinking that life is just a teeeeensssy bit more stressful than before COVID-19, yes?

 

Whether you are a nurse who is exhausted from dealing with this disease or you’re a mama who’s sanity is shot…

 

I’m here for you. Let’s breathe in deeply and let it out slowly. Together this time. Aaahhh much better. 

 

My problems are pretty small compared to men and women who’ve lost loved ones during this time. And I’m guessing your stressors are minor as well…

So, my first suggestion for self-care is a tiny shift in perspective. We must remember that we have what we once prayed for. If our children are causing us to feel angry or annoyed, let’s do something to break up the negative energy. Take them for a walk, give them an age appropriate project to work on, or take 20 minutes to sit and just appreciate the little humans for who they are by asking them fun questions and really listening to their answers. If work is demanding – let’s be grateful that we aren’t one of the 6 million Americans who got “let go of” but still have families to feed.

My second suggestion is to eliminate expectation of the perfect de-stress time or experience. Practicing self care doesn’t have to be extraordinary or Pinterest worthy. The goal is to feel better, not worse. Don’t over analyze what this time should look like or feel like for you – it’s personal.

 

 

Go From Seriously Stressed To Totally Chill With These Easy Self Care Ideas:

 

Move that beautiful body of yours. Yoga is very helpful with relieving stress and will often help you sleep better. If you’re not into yoga, simply turn on some music that you love and dance. Go for a run or a walk. Whatever you are able to do, do it. Release those endorphins, sister. It’s like taking a magic anti-stress pill!

Pray. This always changes my thought pattern from anxiety to trust, faith, and gratitude. Find a quiet space and meet God exactly where you’re at. No fancy words needed. Just talk to him like you would talk to yourself or your very best friend – be vulnerable. He hears you. The closer you draw to God, the closer He will draw to you.

Drink hot tea. The warmth soothes your insides and really helps relieve stress (especially paired with 5 minutes of deep breathing).

Journal. Don’t worry about reading it ever again or writing the perfect thing. Whatever you are stressed about, let it out! You can throw it away after if you’d like. Just the mere exercise of writing your worries down on paper already gets them out of your head and into a tangible place where they can be managed.

Read a physical book. Not on a device. There’s something about the crackling of a spine that I just love. Escape into a novel, a nonfiction, or comic book. Let your inner child out. Relax!

Bubble bath with all of the products. Audri and I have a spa night every so often (mostly when mama needs it). 😉 We ask Alexa to play spa music and we have roses in the tub, bath bombs, face masks, candles, the works. It feels luxurious. You can do spa night alone, with your little one, or your spouse. The point is to pamper yourself.

Go outside. Breathe in the fresh air. This is one of my daily essentials. Live outdoors as much as you can.

Shower yourself with compassion. Recite positive affirmations about yourself in the mirror or to the wall. It feels silly, but the more you do it, the more mature you become with yourself.

Unplug. Sometimes you just need to stop multitasking and put the tablet down. Close the computer. Turn off your phone.

Declutter one area of your home. Start small with a storage closet or shoe rack. This is a mindless task that often feels therapeutic.

 

 

What are your favorite ways to de-stress? Let me know in the comments below! As always, thanks for stopping by!

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Apr 17, 2020 | Mental Health
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4 Comments

  1. Janet

    I read the Bible, pray, work out, play the piano and garden.

    1. VeiledFree

      Playing the piano sounds so relaxing!

  2. Alexis

    Thanks for your awesome suggestions! I need to remember how fortunate I am. Reading is one of my stress relievers!

    1. VeiledFree

      You are very welcome – I’m glad you found it beneficial! Yes, my fellow bookworm!!!

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