Lately with all of this kitchen renovation stuff going on, taking care of a 4th dog, finding it a home, trying to keep our house somewhat clean, and maintaining what little sanity I have left, it's fair to say that I have been STRESSED.
Not the kind of stress that dissipates after a bit or once that moment has passed.
No, it's the stress that keeps you up at night & wakes you with immediate heaviness on your chest and shoulders.
Because I've been experiencing this huge amount of stress constantly, I've been trying to de-stress in many, different ways. Mainly in quick ways because even though I want to completely zen out, I just can't and I have a feeling many of you can't either.
So, I'm comprised a list of my favorite ways to de-stress.
1. Light a candle - this is very simple, and literally takes less than one minute (unless you're me and you constantly lose your lighters, so maybe 5 minutes tops). I like to light my favorite candle whenever I feel overly stressed & even better, I light the candle and take a few breaths standing right there. I breathe in the new scent and it immediately reminds me I have a fresh start - no matter what time of day or state I'm in, just like lighting that candle, I can light a spark in my heart to radiate positivity for the rest of my day.
2. Turn on instrumental/calming music - I have always had a biased toward calming, folksy, acoustic music. On days when I'm really feeling the weight of the world, I turn on one of my favorite playlists on Spotify. As soon as the music starts I can literally feel the weight lifting off my shoulders. I feel a sense of relief and stillness, even if it's for one song.
If it isn't a playlist I've made, I usually gravitate toward the following playlists on Spotify:
- You Favorite Coffeehouse
- Afternoon Acoustic
- Relax & Unwind
- Roots Revival
Any of my yoga studio's playlists - seriously, I love all that.
If you are interested in listening to playlists I've made, my Spotify username is: kellischuh
3. Read 2-3 pages of a book - I am always reading SOMETHING. I love small books that are single-page reads. Usually famous quotes, inspirational quotes, or bible verses. It could be something as short as one paragraph to a full chapter. I take a few minutes to read and let my mind wander.
4. Make some tea - My recommendation for when you are stressed is to lay off the caffeine. I know, it can be tough. But caffeine can really increase your stress levels. I recommend brewing a cup of (my personal favorite) peppermint tea. The mint will invigorate you if you're feeling low on energy and it's incredibly refreshing, making room in your mind to actually think and process properly. Take a sip, take a deep breath, and take a moment to yourself.
5. Do a face mask - This one kind of a given. However, just because you're doing a face mask doesn't mean you're out of commission. Shoot, put a face mask on and fold some laundry, prep dinner, do some squats, read that book, make some tea, light a candle, listen to music (see what I'm doing?) Doing a face mask is something that is constantly (for me) overlooked. But everytime I do one, I feel like I'm seriously pampering myself. Take a few minutes and put a mask on and feel luxurious. You deserve it, girl.
I hope some, if not all, of these were helpful! I have had to get creative with de-stressing. I've tried mediation & found out that my dogs have a COMPLETELY different idea of what meditation is, so that's out of the picture.
I've tried taking relaxing baths. Yeah, too far and few between. I can't just throw myself a bath in the middle of the day anyway. I've tried yoga at home, but it isn't for me. I can't focus at home, I have to be in a class while I still learn the yogi ways! ;)
Let's just say I've tried quite a few things and not many have worked to help lower my stress levels. BUT. The ones I've listed above, truly work (for me), and I do them on a daily basis to help with my stress and I hope these help you as well.
XO.