(Photo by Ahmed Rabea)While there is little we can do about the outside distractions, there are a few tips to follow for keeping our insides stress-free and healthy. Follow these top-notch hacks for almost-instant relief!
- Write it down! Sometimes we just have so much going on – and finding the time to do it is nearly impossible. While a giant to-do list can seem daunting to some, for others (like myself) putting worries to paper helps them to feel in control. Grab a few sheets of paper and a colorful pen to put priority to those things that are bugging you. (For long-term planning in a Mom-friendly model, consider keeping a Bizzi2Go Planner, or some other small, ringbound binder.)
- Talk it out! If you’re not already setting aside an hour or so a week to have coffee with a friend or some pillow-talk with a spouse, start scheduling! An honest communication of your anxieties and fears are not only good for you, but it can help others to understand you better. (And maybe stop asking so much of you?)
- Take a walk (Or a jog, if your knees can handle it.) Getting a good flow of blood to your brain can help you to see things more clearly and give you an opportunity to recharge. If you have to take the tykes with you, grab a stroller and some tunes! Just 15 minutes can get you back into “action” mode, sans the stress.
Have some tips for us? Share what keeps you sane in the midst of it all, and we’ll pick one lucky winner to receive a set of (2) Roll-on fragrances from I Am (read the review here), valued at $29 each! You have until this Saturday, July 5th at 11 pm CST to get your entries in! One entry per person. Giveaway subject to our full site rules.
(*Earn 5 extra entries if you link to this giveaway! Just leave us an extra comment with a link to your mention.)
Well, I usually seethe for 30 seconds or so, and then try to remember to practice empathy. imagining the person you're angry as a baby helps.
ReplyDeleteI also blogged you on my page here: http://nowenteringmomville.blogspot.com/2008/07/giveaway-time.html
ReplyDeleteI am having a giveaway there, too. Swing by and check it out!
Music helps--classical, easy listening.
ReplyDeleteIn the midst of all the craziness, I suggest a cup of tea while sitting quietly on the sofa. Works every time for me. cdziuba@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that keeps me sane is my ipod. I pop the earbuds in and the rest of the world goes away.
ReplyDeletetraymona[at]aol[dot]com
I take a break and say a prayer for what I am most thankful for.
ReplyDeleteSpending quality time with my kids.
ReplyDeleteTake a relaxing bubble bath :)
ReplyDeleteI walk away for ten minutes and think about how grateful I am for the good things.... then the bad things don't seem so bad. (I lost my oldest son in a car accident - there is nothing worse than that, so bad things that happen now are never 'that bad')
ReplyDeleteI think that it is important to do things for yourself. I like to play softball or bowl.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion is making sure that you have some "you" time scheduled. If you know that at 9:30pm, the kids will be asleep, hubby will be watching tv, and you can take a hot bath, and read a book, then it makes the tough moments a little less stressful.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I feel like if I'm not organized then things are pure chaos. I keep an organizer in which everything is written down that I need to do, even the smallest things like phone calls, every day. This helps me and calms me, because things can seem so overwhelming until they are written down, and then they are manageable. I also do yoga and meditate when I feel stressed.
ReplyDeletelovelyluckymegs@yahoo.com
Sometimes I just take a deep breath and think I am only human. I then tackle each project one at a time. I then realize most of the time I made the situation worse than it really was.
ReplyDeleteMy motto, "This too shall pass."
ReplyDeletegkstratos@ yahoo.com
I have to make lists and calendars. Without them, I'd be lost.
ReplyDeleteI am a list maker. I make lists for everything in my life and it makes things much easier.
ReplyDeleteWe i am feeling really stressed out i go for a walk it works wonders
thanks for the contest. Hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th.
souldolphindream@earthlink.net
I make sure to awake early each morning, before the rest of the family. I then enjoy a hot cup of tea and some relaxing me time, before starting the day.
ReplyDeleteexercise-when my husband comes home I go for a bike ride down by the river and enjoy the birds and deer
ReplyDeletetiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I call my older brother on the phone since he tends to be rather comical. He makes me laugh so and I often need to do that.
ReplyDeletesamsakara@twcny.rr.com
I wish I knew!
ReplyDeletei take a walk with my dog or my hubby or both, read in a quiet corner, or crochet. these things relax my brain :)
ReplyDeletekatylinvw(at)yahoo(dot)com
I take my two little dogs for a 30-minute walk/jog. melcobbriley at yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteKEE NOTES! I can't express how much this helps.
ReplyDeleteI try to remember to just sit back for a minute and breathe. Telling myself, "this too shall pass" also helps. Thank you for the nice giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMake lists, then remember to take them with you, or if it's a chore list, check off the items one by one
ReplyDeletei take a break
ReplyDeleteI listen to music that I like, and I keep a journal by my bed. It lets put all my frustrations onto the paper and out of me. If that doesn't work, I eat delicious food that's bad for me and watch some tv! Now that's good quality therapy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a blog party and giveaway going on right now, so make sure to check it out if you'd like!
twopixiedolls.blogspot.com
Eat healthy foods and try to get enough sleep.
ReplyDeleteI've added a link to your site on the left side of my blog at the top! :D
ReplyDeletehttp://twopixiedolls.blogspot.com/
I go jogging.
ReplyDeletetheyyyguy@yahoo.com
i make lists, lots of them
ReplyDeleteExercise keeps me somewhat sane.
ReplyDeleteI work out at Curves
ReplyDeleteI like to watch classic comedies. Laughter always helps. vidomich@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI like to seclude myself in a nice long hot bubble bath, with a nice scented candle burning. It really helps to take away my stress.
ReplyDeleteTaking time out for myself has always helped me stay sane
ReplyDeleteI like to take a class at the local college. Learning new and wonderful things somehow makes the mundane bearable and worth something in the long run.
ReplyDeletekathleenyohanna@hotmail.com
I make a cup of hot coffee, put on my ipod and veg out - alone. Usually in 15 minutes or so I feel a bit better!!
ReplyDeleteI try to find a quiet place where i can be entirely alone and meditate.
ReplyDeletetake time to stop, and breath
ReplyDeleteI grab the Wii remote and try to hit some home runs. It helps to distract me from whatever is driving me crazy. Otherwise, I try to keep lists of what needs doing.
ReplyDeleteI unplug the phone and lay in my bedroom with a good book when I am feeling stressed.
ReplyDeleteTake a nice walk with a friend.
ReplyDeletereminding myself that it could always get worse :0)
ReplyDeleteGetting together with girlfriends for cold Blackberry Wheat Ale, talking about our hot men(and various other hot men)while playing darts at our local pub keeps me sane.
ReplyDeleteShannon
completelyme at gmail dot com
A few deep breaths, a cup of tea, and some quiet music
ReplyDeleteI HAVE to have me time. I'm a complete introvert and being totally alone recharges my batteries.
ReplyDeleteI think these days we all feel stress at different levels. And, our tolerance at these levels varies from person to person. One thing that I do to eleviate stress is Yoga. Now I know not everyone knows or understands Yoga, but if you have internet, which you all do because you are here, you can easily learn a couple of very basic Yoga poses and stretching that you can quickly adopt into your life and lifestyle. I swear, the minute you feel a little stressed, wherever you are, find a private place, and just do about 5 minutes of Yoga, and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. You can also learn to Meditate. Simple meditation can also significantly help with relieving stress from your body! Good Luck everyone, let's all find some peace and tranquility amidst all of our stress!
ReplyDeleteWhat keeps me sane is remembering to Thank God for everything.
ReplyDeleteI run on the treadmill and do a little yoga here and there.
ReplyDeleteI usually take a quick walk!!! Or, put my face in my pillow and scream as loud as I can!! It helps!!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to get plenty of rest the night before to handle whatever the day may bring!
ReplyDeleteMeditation and walking keep me sane.
ReplyDeleteI feel calm when I meditate and walking helps me to focus on what is important and what isn't.
Separate large tasks into smaller chunks so you don't get overwhelmed. For example don't set out to clean the whole kitchen - set out to clean the microwave. When you finish that, move on to next small task.
ReplyDeletei love to workout but I also like to go the other way and just veg on the couch and watch tv. Works for me
ReplyDeleteWhat I do when things get too crazy is just go somewhere by myself for a few minutes and take several deep breaths. Usually after that things don't seem quite so crazy (even if they still are)
ReplyDeleteI call a friend and talk out my feelings.
ReplyDeletetelling my SO all of my worries. he always calms me down
ReplyDeleteI love to take a nice warm bath when I am stressed out.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Wow I liked reading others to see what helped them for me some new ideas! haha. I'm pregnant and the dad is a loser and no where around so I'm stressed and depressed a lot, I try to think of the good things, breathe, and drive around listening to good music a bit!
ReplyDeleteI live just one day at a time. This is a good day
ReplyDeletelisten to your favorite music while doing everything! music always helps me when i'm stressed out!
ReplyDeleteThe best thing I can do to keep my -- together is get a good night's sleep. If I'm well rested, I have infinite more patience for all the little things life throws at me.
ReplyDeleteI work out that helps a lot when I am stressed!
ReplyDeletei always like to take time out to watch a movie, i try not to do much stuff, or worry about things so i don't get stressed out in the first place!
ReplyDeleteMy mocha latte! Especially if I can meet up with a friend, neighbor, anyone to just relax and chat about mindless stuff!
ReplyDeleteKnow what calms me down and gets me through? Cleaning house OR mindless surfin on the web!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice giveaway chance!
I turn on some music I really like and sing along.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get stressed, I cook or clean ,I try to keep as busy as possible and if I cook I let the kids get involved,keeping them busy also , it works and everyone feels better with a full belly
ReplyDeleteI go out in the backyard for a few minutes and just relax.
ReplyDeleteAvoid society at all costs... =)
ReplyDeleteWhen I am stressed out or feeling tired from a long day I always have a little bowl of Butterfinger icecream with strawberries and hot fudge. It makes me feel indulged and a little pampered.
ReplyDeleteI draw a hot bubble bath, turn on some of my favorite music and just forget about everything.
ReplyDeleteI just always say "By the grace of God go I."
ReplyDeleteI count to ten then realize life is short and I am spending it happy for me and all around me.It works,we just have to relax and be thankful daily.
ReplyDeleteI have a support network of family and friends to talk to and ask for advice or help.garrettsambo@aol.com
ReplyDeleteOn turn on Wii Fit and hula hoop. That seems to do the trick. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, mine is therapy. I just started a few weeks ago and it is doing wonders. :) And exercise.
ReplyDeleteNotes! Notes keep me focused on the big things.
ReplyDeleteMusic relaxes me.
I usually take a drive and put on my favorite music and usually wind up at the park. I always carry a notebook with me and I either jot down my thoughts or scribble or draw to clear my mind. :)
ReplyDeleteI get away and count to ten; take a half/mile walk; with meditation tapes; works like a pro
ReplyDeletePlay a quick game, either with your kids or on your pc, or your kids nintendo! It will pick you up, and make you realize that a little fun is fuel!
ReplyDeleteI do some deep breathing and read a good magazine article!
ReplyDeleteI write it down and let it go.
ReplyDeleterelaxing in my garden help me keep things together :)
ReplyDeleteYoga, helps me. Sometimes I just have to do one breathing method and I am fine.
ReplyDeletetake breaks...I know it may sound silly, but if you walk away from your project/job for about 15 minutes or so, you can get your head together for another couple of hours. It helps time fly, but it also keep you sain and all together.
ReplyDeleteI keep organized by organizing my thoughts each night before I go to bed, I write down what I need to do the next day. It releases it from my mind so I can get a good nights sleep and keeps me on task the next day!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sponsoring the giveaway. A ToDo List is a must.
ReplyDeleteI would say to relax whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteWith twin toddlers, I find just being silly with them and being a kid myself lets off stress! They are my stress-makers and stress-relievers. lol
ReplyDeleteJill
jvelicer@charter.net
I use scents, music and stories to help keep me sane.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do, don't be in a hurry,
ReplyDeletein other words concentrate on what are you doing at that moment and don't think about the next task!
Thanks for the giveaway :)
I keep a family calendar with all appointment,events,bills due etc... It is the only way I can keep everything together!
ReplyDeleteMusic helps.
ReplyDeleteGod keeps me sane in the midst of it all.
ReplyDeleteSome days I find it very difficult to keep it all together. I enjoy spending time on the computer, reading, listening to music and day dreaming.
ReplyDeletechris
cme8397@yahoo.com
I take a little break to listen to some music or read a chapter or two in a book that is always handy.
ReplyDeleteSticky notes are such a help. When I am in the middle of doing something I need to come back to, I jot down what I was doing as I answer the phone or run after screaming kids and place it on my monitor. After my distraction is over, I check the note to recall what I am in the midst of.
ReplyDeleteExercise is a great way to work off steam and feeling better about myself makes me less easy to get iritated in the first place
ReplyDeleteA couple of things seem to help me deal with the stress. I am a chocolate fanatic, so I like to keep my own secret stash that I can raid when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. Reading seems to help, too. After a rough day, reading a chapter or two in a good book lets me escape reality for a while. Thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeletePick up as you go along.
ReplyDeleteI write memos to myself and rehearse emergency procedures.
ReplyDeleteI go running to think through my problems, and I take a warm bath with lots of bubbles to forget them!
ReplyDeleteamyrbailey @ gmail dot com
I try to break down tasks into small steps so things aren't so overwhelming.
ReplyDelete