Mindful Monday: Stress (part 3 of 3)

Stress is sneaky. I can't begin to count the number of times I was going through the motions of life only to look up and realize how stressed out I was and thought to myself, "How long have I been in this state?" 

While, yes, there are signs, stress isn't always so obvious. Especially if we live in a constant state of stress, it simply becomes our normal.

Here are 5 easy to implement strategies to fight back. 

1) Drop your shoulders and breathe slowly and deeply. I can't tell you the amount of stress I carry in my shoulders and back. I'm always so surprised when I take a moment and do these two simple steps the immediate relief I feel.​

2) If you feel it, say it. Pretending it doesn't matter or that it doesn't bother you isn't helpful. Even if you only admit it to yourself, it's incredibly freeing. Journaling is a great release, but I get it's not for everyone. At the very least, I would encourage you to try this emotions tracker from The New Happy. It's a 30 second way to acknowledge your feelings at the end of each day and notice trends. 

3) Consider turning your nightly walk into a grateful walk. Think about 3 things you are grateful for from the day. The best part is, there are no wrong answers, and there is nothing too little to be grateful for. The purpose of this exercise would be to end your day on a positive note and not let all of the day's stressors weigh heavy on you.

4) I previously wrote about the importance of sleep and how it is closely tied to stress. When we let the busyness of the world take over, we often do it at the expense of our time to rest. We have to start protecting our time to rest and relax. It's not a waste of time, as it is a necessity to function properly. We must stop thinking of sleep as a luxury. 

5) Finally, give yourself grace. On the days you feel extra stressed, give yourself grace. On the days stress has gotten the best of your temper, give yourself grace. On the days you don't feel the best version of yourself, give yourself grace. And on the days you have nothing left to give, give yourself grace.