Throughout our entire lives, we will enter and exit different seasons. Inevitably, we will have stressful, busy seasons.
Whether we are plastered with work projects, school projects, or life projects, we don’t have to be held hostage by the stress of our reality. It’s more important than ever during these seasons to take extra special care of our mind and mental health.
De-stressing does not have to be one large event. In fact, the most effect de-stressing techniques are done on a day-to-day basis. By committing to taking care of yourself in small ways everyday, you’re making it that much easier on yourself to tackle your workload with confidence.
I’m walking you through several different, simple ways you can start de-stressing today during one of the busiest times of your life.
1. Delegate things you don’t have to do yourself.
When your big projects absorb everything you’ve got to offer in a day, you have to take some things off your plate to stay sane. This can be work tasks. This can also be regular household activities. For example, splurge on hiring a cleaning company to come in on a weekend and do the chores you would normally dedicate yourself to. Opt to find healthy restaurant takeouts to order from your phone so you don’t have to worry about ordering dinner or finding something nutritious in a drive-thru.
2. Find quiet locations to just sit and be.
Even just 10 minutes can make a huge difference. It’s hard to quiet an anxious mind in a busy place. Find somewhere where you won’t be bothered and can focus on existing in that silence. Initially, it may trigger your mind to unload every stressful thought you’ve ever had. Instead of resisting, allow your brain to do what it needs to with the intention of settling in a quiet, peaceful mental space.
3. Watch or listen to something funny.
Laughter releases stress. Watch an episode of your favorite comedy or pull up a comedy podcast for your commute. While laughter is effective any time of the day, it’s most likely to make the biggest positive impact if you begin your day with it.
4. Change up your music.
If you normally listen to calm and mellow music, try vamping up your tunes to let off some steam. If you normally listen to loud and vibrant music, trying going a calmer route to allow your mind to release any tension. Variety helps your brain ground itself in your current reality instead jetting off into a sea of anxious thoughts.
De-stressing does not have to be one large event. In fact, the most effect de-stressing techniques are done on a day-to-day basis. Click To Tweet5. Practice gratitude journaling.
All you need is to set aside 3 to 5 minutes every day. You can easily do this on the Notes section of your phone. A simple list of things you are grateful for is enough to help your brain stay grounded in the present and reduce the load of stress currently on your mind.
6. Start saying “no” to more things.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, it’s hard to say “no” to things. During this busy season, you’ll be saying it so much that you’ll start to feel rude. However, you can always come back to ideas and projects in the future. But, it’s easier to do that when you’ve preserved your sanity through the tough times.
7. Make art.
Art therapy is effective for a reason. When we tap into our creative centers and concentrate on creating art, we enter into a different part of our brain of enjoyment and fulfillment. Time keeping, a big stressor, goes out the window. Creating art is great way to detach from this stressful season and enter into a more relaxed realm.
8. Practice deep breathing techniques.
These techniques will become especially useful when you inevitably run into frustrating and overwhelming roadblocks. Deep breathing is meant to slow the mind down so it can reconnect with the present moment instead of getting too ahead of itself. All you need to do is pause your task and take 5 slow, deep breaths before continuing onward with intentionality and clarity.
9. Hang out with friends and loved ones.
While it may seem counter-intuitive to add more plans to your plate, taking a break from your projects is as important as finishing them and seeing them through to the end. This social interaction is vital for your mental health. It allows you to be reminded that there is life outside of what you’re working on, that you’re capable of seeing it through to the end, and that people love you regardless.
10. Plan a special de-stressor.
After the end of this busy season, plan something special to celebrate your accomplishments. Even if there were hiccups along the way, your work should be rewarded. This can be as simple as a massage or as elaborate as a special trip. No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to put it into your calendar to remind you when things get rocky that you can do this.
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