Happy Friday friends! This was a doozy of a week – from thinking it was one day ahead of what it actually was and lots of deadlines at work – felt like I couldn’t catch up, but it actually sort of felt okay because believe it or not, I was actually managing my stress!
I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily good at managing stress, but over the last year I have sort of forced myself to figure out how to be. I’m sure at the top of everyone’s list of ways to destress is exercising & while that’s probably my number one way to feel better, it doesn’t help me forget about the to-do list a mile long. Here are a five things that work for me and hopefully some that you might be able to add into your routine!
- Writing it out|| Of course at this point you all know how much I love lists and I’m sure you all are very similar in feeling the need to write things out. However, I was writing lists on every scrap paper I could find and then would be overwhelmed with how many lists I had – so I consolidated after taking a project management training. The instructor told us to basically look at all the roles you play in your life – for me it’s full time work, blog, wedding business & home / personal. Every Sunday I write out everything I have going on in the next 2 weeks in every category and I rank them 1-3. 1. Has to get done. 2. Would be nice if I could get to. 3. Not going to happen. can someone else do it? can I push it off? is it necessary? This has helped me immensely and I’ve also noticed that I don’t really have that much I have to do every single week!
- Acupuncture || I reviewed my experience with acupuncture last year and was pleasantly surprised with how many of you agreed that this was in fact a way you liked to de-stress as well! I try to get ahead of my stress by looking at the month ahead and seeing when I’m more than likely to get stressed and I make an appointment for that week or at least I try to. I don’t always rely on acupuncture, honestly it’s expensive, but I love how I feel after so to me that’s worth the cost.
- Tea || Call me grandma if you’d like, but every night I make a cup of tea and relax. Sometimes it’s watching something mindless on TV, or catching up on the shows we have on DVR, but this tea ritual is basically my favorite time of the night. It’s my way of letting my mind and body know that I’m ready to relax. It’s almost a mind shift, but I try to put my phone away during this as well.
- Ordering Out|| I may meal plan with the best intentions but inevitably both Gary and I will get home later than expected one night or just not feel like cooking after a particularly hard day so I let myself enjoy the luxuries of ordering out and not have to worry about cooking, doing dishes and then cleaning up. And you know what else?! I end up getting about an hour of my night back which results in being less stressed – win | win!!
- Read, anything || Over the last year I’ve rekindled my love with reading. There is nothing quite like getting lost in a good book & it really does help me forget about everything on my mind. I’m focused on the characters in the book & what they’re dealing with…looking at it this way might seem like I’m just adding to things cluttering my head, but I promise it’s a great way to drown out the noise. I read on the train so it helps make a sometimes cluster-filled commute feel short and sweet or it helps me get super tired before bed!
What are some of the ways you like to zen out and destress? Hope you have a great weekend friends!
I'm all the about the lists, too! I'm a big believer in writing it out. I feel like it always seems like it's so much worse in your head, but once you have it down on paper, you can visualize and manage it! Great tips, BIana! Have a wonderful weekend!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
I am a list girl all the way…writing lists about my lists! Tea is such a calmer for me and I wold love to try acupuncture. Have a wonderful weekend beautiful babe!!
Great ideas! I usually say working out too, but drinking tea and reading is very calming as well. I've never tried acupuncture, so I wonder if I would like that method too. Have a great weekend!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Working out, writing things down, and giving myself a little grace are definitely ways that help me cope as well!
I love writing things out. When I'm really stressed, sad, mad I'll just start writing. It may not solve everything but it sure makes me feel a lot better. Up until about a year or so ago I didn't like tea. Now, I love it before bed if I need to unwind & relax. I've never tried acupuncture before but it's on my list of things to try for future treat yoself days. Happy Friday!!
These are definitely all great ways to manage stress! I like to go to the gym or go for a run if I'm really really stressed! I still need to try acupuncture! Happy Friday love!
I felt less stressed just reading these ways you de-stress, lol! I'm so intrigued by acupuncture but love my massages so much I can't pull myself away from those!
Making lists are key! I have found that if I don't write it down it gets forgotten about until later which adds to my stress!
It is certainly a stressful time of year with everything going on. These are great methods of stress management. I think ordering out would be my favorite because not dealing with making dinner or the clean up is a great way to relax!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Reading and tv and tea! Yes to all! Oh and ordering out!
Read totally helps me unwind! I love ending my night with a good book.
I agree with all of these! It helps so much having things that help destress 🙂
Writing it out really helps me too! That along with prayer, and a quiet moment to myself with a scrumptious snack or delicious drink helps me destress. Hope you enjoy a lovely weekend ahead, B!
The list idea is genius!! Jason and I both work a lot at night and we live in a small town… but sometimes you have to order pizza. 🙂 I drink tea at night, too. It helps me sleep! Love these ideas!!
Girl, I feel the same way about this week, haha, but I didn't do any of the things you've listed here to help manage the stress, all of which seem so incredibly helpful. I love the one on writing down all your to-do's and then listing them in the order of importance. That really helps to create a mental shift in priorities, such a great idea! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
thestylecontour.com
all great tips! i still have acupuncture on my list of things to try. def want to. and i need to make lists too. i usually have post-its all over my desk! ha. ordering out is def great too. anything to help the crazy busy lives we have. happy friday!
xoxo cheshire kat
I have been wanting to try acupuncture for so long now! i hear so many wonderful things about it! Happy friday goreous girl hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,Victoria
coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this. This week has been difficult and my stress levels are off the chart. I truly appreciate you sharing this. I find keeping a journal to be so helpful.
Great, list, lady! I was nodding to all of these. I LOVE me some acupuncture. Wish I had the same DR. down here, my one in VA was amazing.
We order out, or go to a restaurant, once or twice a week. No shame. We earned it. I also like to light candles and incense. Reading and tea are great! If you haven't tried them, I especially recommend peppermint tea and the Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer.
These are such great tips! I need to drink more tea at night when it's crazy and I am definitely trying acupuncture post baby!
I love posts like this because I do find myself to be a person that gets stressed out very easily and any tips I find are so helpful! TOTALLY agree that not having to worry about cooking makes nights so much more carefree and I love reading right before bed! It's like meditation for me!
Rosy Outlook
Add yoga!! It makes all the difference. Not sure I'd find acupuncture here in Alabama, lol 🙂
This was such a timely post! I too am having a pretty stressful week at the office and your tips were great. I love writing it all out and that feeling of satisfaction as I cross off tasks & projects. Hope you have a relaxing weekend!
I love these! I have not always been a TV person, but I've found lately it's nice to escape with a new favorite TV show (not the most productive thing, but it's still nice from time to time.) Hope you have a great weekend!
Zelle | Southern Style
Such great tips!! I definitely need help managing stress!
Kisses,
Sarah
EverydayStarlet
One way I manage my stress is by playing a game of chess. I know….sounds weird. But it's just a quick way to clear my thoughts
Kate || KATE KOUTURES
Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed I just write a list and suddenly feel better!
Yes to all of these! Writing it out and reading are probably my top two (besides exercise), too. Getting it all out on paper or electronically just helps keep things in focus. I'm going to try your numbering method – that's a great idea!
I'm partial to the "ordering out" one….that's how I maintain my "girlish" figure!!!! HA!!!!!!!! xoxoxo catchatwithcarenandcody
I must be a grandma too because I love my chamomile tea! I've never tried acupuncture but it sounds like I should give it a shot. And I love how you categorize your lists by prioritizing. I need to start doing that!
taffetaandtulips.com
I'm with you on the writing it out one – if I'm stressed, I make a to do list. It's so much easier when you can see what needs to get done & prioritize. Have a great (stress free!) weekend!
I love this! I agree with it all except I have never tried acupuncture though I imagine it is relaxing. I meal plan too but definitely pick things up sometimes. The key for me is making healthy choices when I do so I don't end up feeling guilty.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Such great tips, some of which I do myself too. I'm not the best at managing my stress, though, my husband has to remind me to take it easy and chill — otherwise I'd go crazy and I'm sure I'd drive him insane too.
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Running is such a stress reliever for me – clears my head.
I also love music… & crafting. Something to put my mind somewhere else.
I'm a writing kind of girl, too, of course. It always helps me when I'm stressed. And also, working out!! A good sweat sesh always makes me feel better and it gets the endorphins pumping! I do want to try accupunture sometime, too!
Acupuncture is good for everything! I go for jaw pain, to deal with my PCOS, injuries, etc. It's so powerful!
– Claudia
justalittleblush.com/
Those are definitely ways I handle my stress too! I used acupuncture while trying to get pregnant and it was so relaxing. I love a good book along with a cup of tea. Have a great weekend!
I am with you on a good old to-do list. Jess at Just Jess
With you on the tea and reading and letting myself order out or do whatever to make a day easier. Lists too of course!
Painting my nails and just hanging with my dogs is good for me too.
Here's to a stress-free weekend!
I love to use reading as a way to relax, it's like escaping to another place! You are one busy bee!! I don't know how you do it all. But, I love lists too, I really like the idea of ranking your priorities.
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
I love these tips. I'm a grandma right there with you because tea is my thing. I've thought about acupuncture before but I am the worst with needles. Ordering out makes such a difference. I hope you have a great weekend xo Beautifully Candid
Reading and a glass of wine are my favorites! Hope you get to relax some this weekend!
I have wanted to try acupuncture but I'm also afraid to go to just anyone around here. And reading is definitely a way to destress! Yes to ordering out!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
I love all of these! I won't call you grandma for the tea, just Russian! Haha. It really is so relaxing. I really love reading to relax too. 🙂
There is no grandma-ness in tea…it really can soothe and relax your body/mind. There are so many great blends out there without caffeine that can calm your stress and give you a good night of sleep. I'm a firm believer that a good night of sleep also helps with stress.
Writing things out definitely helps me. Taking a walk dose too. I try to walk daily if I can. My grandmother taught my aunt to iron when she was stressed, so that's how she handles it. That gene DEFINITELY skipped me. LOL
I always go between tea and wine at night… both help me to relax! And everything else you mentioned, too, actually! (Although reading keeps me up way too late!) — Lisa | Naptime Chai
These are all such good ideas! When I lived in Korea, I used to get acupuncture all the time!! I love it but it is so expensive here!
I love the idea of writing things down, I need to do that more!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
These are such great tips! I have always wanted to try acupuncture!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Girl I totally agree with you about reading.. it's like therapy for me! Also, while most people take a long bath to de-stress, I take a long hot shower. Totally does the trick!
This was a must read for me today! I also love using essential oils:)
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
the last 3 are totally my jam as well – tea, book and ordering out? sign me up. throw in a bubble bath and that's my perfect night lol
Great tips! I need to get back to drinking tea at night. I did the other night because my throat was sore, but I need to make it a regular thing. I used to order out more but with 3 kids (that eat like adults), it's just too expensive to do often. Every now and then, we just have to do pizza to keep our sanity though :-p