Is it really possible to reduce stress when you are living a busy lifestyle? I am here to tell you, YES. It’s possible! In the last few weeks, I have been feeling like the world is weighing on my shoulders. I am in my busiest seasons, where all I do is stay productive, and to be transparent with you, I’ve been stressed out because of it.
It’s not that I don’t like or enjoy being busy, because it helps my mind stay focus on all other things at hand. But somehow, stress always ends up catching up to you rather you ignore it or acknowledge it. Leaving you with a wave of emotions! On a positive note, stress can be a helpful reminder to get those deadlines completed and a nudge to take care of things so that they don’t slip through the cracks.
Trying to find balance and peace in our daily chaos, is an internal struggle. Trust me, I understand if you have a 9 to 5 job and on top of that having to balance being a mother, wife, and being stuck in the same old routine, it can be exhausting! Especially, if you aren’t giving yourself a break. The main question here is how do you reduce stress?
Well today, I put together a list of 6 ways to reduce stress and help balance out your busy lifestyle.
6 ways to reduce stress while living a productive lifestyle
- Don’t Ignore the feeling // Acknowledge how you are feeling! Ask yourself; Why do I feel stressed? Why am I overwhelmed? Am I doing too much? Have I not been taken care of myself? Be open to discuss these questions with yourself, as it really helps you dig deep into yourself. I am guilty of putting my stress on the back burner and carrying on my day as if it’s not knocking on the door waiting to be acknowledged. I am sure some of you can relate. I’ve come to learn that stress catches up to you and when it does, you are hit with a whirlwind of emotions that even BURNT toast might make you cry. No kidding. Bottling up emotions does NOT help. Trust what your body/mind is telling you.
- Have an outlet // Usually, I am busy enough during the day where I don’t focus on the emotions of my personal life. But during my commutes or downtime, I find that my thoughts consume me the most! So instead of sinking into anxious feelings, I try to channel that focus and energy into an outlet. In my case, fitness is MY emotional outlet. I honestly feel like the world is lifted off my shoulders after a nice-sweaty workout. Physical activity helps produce endorphins in which in return, helps the brain cope with anxiety, stress, and depression. As for my creative outlet, I enjoy journaling and writing in my planner. My advice to you is to find your emotional/creativity outlet to help you cope with your stress. It can be as simple as going out with friends/family, venting to someone you trust, exercising, having a hobby, etc.
- Make Self-Care a priority // It’s so easy to forget to take care of yourself when you’re living a busy lifestyle. We all need to make sure we are making ourselves a priority in the middle of the storm as much as possible or else we’re bound to lose it. Lose control over our emotions and most of all, our self-love. Taking a break to focus on yourself is by far the best rejuvenating feeling ever. Not only is it therapeutic for your mental/physical health, but it’s the perfect escape from all the madness. Your “escape” could be anything that brings you joy, relaxation, calmness, excitement, and appreciation towards yourself. Start taking more time for yourself and be a regular! lIt won’t take long before you begin to see the difference!
- Focus on your breathing // The best way to cope with stress in the middle of DISTRESS is to FOCUS on your breathing. This helps you feel grounded and to really take control of your surroundings. Every time I am stressed, I have no control. Take back your control when your feeling overwhelmed and just breathe.
- Declutter your life // Oh yes. The same process as if you pick and choose what is vital to you in your home while organizing. This process is like the same as analyzing in your head what is important to your survival and what doesn’t matter. Decluttering your schedule is super important and the reasoning for that is your making more time to enjoy your life! It may be tough trying to figure out how to declutter your life, but your goal is to make more time for yourself. Cut back on some of your commitments and don’t keep adding more to want you can’t handle if you tend to stress easily. I am guilty of always saying YES when really, I want to say NO. Saying NO can be a freeing word – Try it!
- Don’t have high expectations // Seriously. People tend to work themselves up and expect things to happen the way that they envision it, but it doesn’t always work out that way and that’s OKAY. I much rather lower my standards/expectations, than get hit by a curveball each time I get my hopes up. I have trained my mind to not expect everything. To remind me that if things don’t get done ON schedule and perfectly, I will live. Like the saying: “If you do not have expectations, you can never be disappointed.” Keep in mind you can do anything, but not everything. Let that sink in.
During the busiest times, it’s important to not let stress control your emotions and actions. While living a busy lifestyle can be quite entertaining and make you feel like you’re being productive, there comes a point where you have to listen to what your body, actions, and mind is telling you. I hope this post has been helpful in some way.
What’s something that always helps you cope with stress while managing your busy lifestyle? Let’s chat down below!
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