Hellobee Boards

Getting out of the house helps me a lot. We live where we can walk to most things we need, so getting out, even to window shop usually improves my mood. Also, just being aware of my mental state (mindfulness) helps me to kind of manage. Definitely working toward my goals and making time /organizing to allow them to happen- but it is a balance, because if I do too much or try to do too much that isn't good for stress because I set up unrealistic expectations.

@mrbee: I know what you mean, I get stressed if I don't have time to work, but I have also had to let go a bit because I try to be superwoman and want everyday to have 48 hours.

Lately I have been into finding ways to make life easier at home, like tonight I came up with a new and more pleasant and functional way to organize recycling and trash. It sounds mundane, but finding ways to better my home really helps to manage stress. I think of my home as my life... one big project and process.

I don't do it well. I usually bottle it up and then at some point I tip over but usually for me a good big cry will do it haha.

Cleaning actually helps me get rid of stress. The physical labor and the results after. But then I get stressed trying to find the time to clean lol!

I don't do it well and until recently I haven't had a lot of stress in my life. It's definitely a learning process right now and yea.. it sucks.

Lots of positive self-talk... being careful to keep things in perspective, reminding myself that I've gotten through stressful situations before, keeping in mind what I can control and what I can't, etc.

Trying to get enough sleep, even when time is tight, helps me from losing it! When I am sleep deprived on top of being stressed, everything is harder. Of course, it's harder to sleep when I'm stressed, but when I manage to sleep, I feel better. I try to keep my diet relatively healthy as well.

Seeking support from family and friends. On my worst days, this may involved crying to DH, my mom, or sister.

The "Relaxation Channel" on Pandora. Sometimes when I am feeling super overwhelmed at work, I will lock my office door, lie down on a yoga mat I keep rolled up in my closet, turn on the Relaxation Channel and just close my eyes and chill for 5 minutes doing breathing exercises. I don't do it as often as I should, but it REALLY helps!

The other night I felt like I was about to lose it, so I filled the tub, lit a few candles in the bathroom, turned off the light, and put on Pandora. Those things together work great... way better than just a bath alone. Sometimes I will add a cup of tea to the mix as well.

Getting some fresh air...doing something outside.

Sometimes exercise helps...mainly the treadmill if I am really worked up about something.

Watching an episode or two of a favorite tv show.

Shopping! Retail therapy is effective, just expensive

Exercise. But mostly, avoiding stress in general. I'm very lucky to be able to live a life without very much stress in it.

A good movie always takes my mind off things! Or baking/cooking