The Things That Help Me When I’m Feeling Stressed

As much as I know that I create my own stress, i.e. my experience of it stress is mine, and mine alone, I’m only human, and sometimes it does get on top of me. 
 
Sometimes when life throws you a few curve balls, as it has of late, I need to dig deep, to keep myself on the straight and narrow, so that I can continue running my business and being a mum. 
 
Last week was particularly stressful and so I found myself thinking about what I knew would help to lift me, so I thought I’d share them in the hope that they might ignite a little spark of light for you too, if you ever need it…

1. I got out in nature. I consider myself super lucky because I have a dog. Going for walks used to be resigned to rare weekends but since EllaBella arrived 6 years ago, it is of course a daily occurrence. When I’m stressed, I make sure I pick the places I LOVE to walk and go there, usually somewhere with trees and woods.
  
2. I moved my body. When I feel overwhelmed, exercise tends to get de-prioritised. Last week I realised I hadn’t been to the gym or for a run for two weeks, very unusual for me. I know that exercise lifts my mood, so I made sure that got my arse to the gym! And yes, I felt a LOT better afterwards! 

3. I used my essential oils. Believe it or not, during the stressful and sad time of late, I wasn’t using my oils as much as I usually do, which is crazy because they are a sure-fire way of lifting my mood. So, I made sure I drank lemon in my water, diffused uplifting oils including Wild Orange (my absolute favourite) and Cheer (my favourite blend, does what it says!), I put lavender, frankincense and other calming oils in my bath, and I put my miracle oil, Melissa, under my tongue. It has made a huge difference. Well of course it has!  

4. I meditated. I usually meditate pretty much every morning, only for 20 to 30 minutes, but I’d even stopped doing that! I chose calming and uplifting meditations. And when I woke in the night, I listened to guided sleep meditations, and drifted off easily. Meditation doesn’t take away your stress, nothing can except your perception of it, but it does reduce cortisol levels and help with mood and sleep. 

5. I looked at what I was eating. When we are feeling stressed, as well as losing the desire to prepare food (well I do anyway), it’s also not unusual to crave sweeter or carbohydrate heavy foods. Whilst I hadn’t resorted to pounds of Haribo, I was eating a hell of a lot of sweet fruit, dark chocolate, and craving sweet stuff. The problem with increased sugar and carbs when stressed is that they add to the stress burden on the body.  

6. I chatted to friends and family. I’m a natural introvert so not chatting to people doesn’t feel odd for me, but I also know how much better I feel when I connect with like-minded friends and family. A problem shared…  
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I’m happy to report that this week I am feeling a whole lot more like myself again. My focus is back on my work, I don’t have that constant butterflies feeling, and I am sleeping well again. Self-care was of utmost importance, and luckily I remembered to practice what I preach! 
 
Does any of this resonate with you? What do you do when you are feeling stressed? What helps you the most? Do share, I’d love to know. 
 
V x