April is stress awareness month !
Let’s admit it, 2020 was a stressful year and the first few months of 2021 haven’t been much better. This is a great time to take step back and evaluate our stress levels and see how each of us can better manager the stress in our lives. Stress awareness is so important and you don’t have to suffer alone. These are three tips are great ways to relieve stress and ease anxiety as well as depression :
CHOOSE TO CARE FOR YOURSELF FIRST
We are the caregivers, the decision makers, the fixers, the hustlers, the doers, the one who get things done, the ones everybody else comes for help. But what happens when we need a little help? Self care is not selfish. We need to put our own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs.
So what does self-care look like ? Generally, self-care practices are pleasant and enjoyable – not something we feel we should do, but rather something we want to do. With that being said, it’s also about take care of your own basic needs. Have you drank enough water today ? Have you eaten a small meal ? Had a shower ? Got some fresh air ? Truly it is about taking care of the basics first.
SLOW DOWN, LITERALLY !
Take time out. Listen to music, meditate, get a message, or learn relaxation technique. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
While this is not doable 100% of the time, but whenever possible, just slow down – like reaaaally slow down. Stop multi-tasking. Stop hustling. Stop rushing. Move your body slowly. Take time eating your meal. Make every tiny task, even just making a cup of coffee, the most important things in the world.
Getting Help
Sometimes natural stress reduction tips are not enough. If you are struggling, it’s okay to reach out and ask for help. You don’t have to suffer alone.
How do you cope when you re feeling stressed ? Do you have any special coping technique you can share ? Do you do any of these things we have mentioned above ? Let’s discuss in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you !
