If you've been reading for a while, you'll know that I have just returned after some time away from blogging as I was feeling incredibly stressed, and it was starting to affect how I lived my daily life. Some of you will be sat reading this thinking that I'm a drama queen, but when you've had a constant eye twitch for the best part of 6 months, higher than normal anxiety, and difficulty concentrating on anything for longer than 5 minutes - you know you need to get your stress under control. Over the last few months I've been trying different ways to help manage stress, and I've found a few fun and easy things that have really helped to drastically reduce my stress levels and make me happier.
Exercise // It's a well known fact that exercise is an excellent stress-management technique, and it can do wonders for your health. Over the last 6 months I've been exercising regularly, and besides actually enjoying it (surprisingly), I've found myself feeling a lot happier and more relaxed. A quick 15 minute workout in the morning leaves me feeling energetic and focused throughout the day. It has helped me set better goals and has left me feeling more productive.
Reading // I loooooove reading. I always have a massive stack of books on my bedside table for me to read through. Infact I have just placed a little book order on Amazon this afternoon. I know it sounds cliché but reading can transport you to another world. You don't have to read fiction books, an autobiography or even a cookery book could help distract you for your everyday worries.
Art // I've always been creative. I took creative GCSE subjects, creative A-Levels, and since then I've just abandoned my creative roots. Taking an academic degree I simply haven't had the time, but the other week I found one of my old sketchbooks and since then I have been doing a lot of quick (and some not so quick) drawings. Even if you aren't so good at drawing, with all these adult colouring books on the market there is something for everyone!
Putting the phone down // For the last few months I have been locking my phone away in a drawer for entire weekends. 48 hours without a phone glued to my hand. You'll be surprised at how relaxed you feel by Monday morning. I know some people think 2 days a week without your phone is a little drastic, but I really enjoy those 2 days. I'm not strict with myself, so if I'm going out somewhere I make sure I take my phone with me in case of an emergency, but I make a conscious effort not to sit and scroll through my social media. Try putting your phone away from a couple of hours in the weekend and see how you feel afterwards. I guarantee you'll feel better.
Scheduling some 'me time' // I made it my New Year's Resolution to set aside 15 minutes of each day to spend some time with myself without any technology. I'll sit with a few candles lit, read a book, draw, flick through a magazine, or even write all my thoughts down on a piece of paper. Every Sunday night I set myself up for the week ahead by running a hot bath, lighting a bucket load of candles, grabbing a Lush bath bomb and relaxing in the bath with a good book. Spending a bit of time doing something I enjoy makes my day 110% better and I look forward to that moment in my day.
Listening to music // Music can be exceptionally relaxing. It doesn't have to be whale music or anything ridiculous, just the sound of a band you love is enough to calm you down in the most stressful of moments. I love to pop my headphones in on the train or blast my radio whilst cruising down the motorway.
Being around water // This one may sound a little stupid, but there is a reason many people like to relax by going on beach holidays, or taking a hot bath at the end of the day. Water has a very calming effect, and research has shown that it induces a meditative state. Being around water gives our brains a rest from overstimulation. Besides having a looooong relaxing bath filled with every Lush product imaginable, I've recently got back into going swimming regularly and I love how relaxed it makes me feel. I used to go swimming 3/4 times a week until I was about 14, and used to compete for a while when I was in school. I get excited when I smell the chlorine just walking towards the building from the carpark, and I look forward to it every week. I take one of my sisters with me, and we even get a cheeky donut or croissant to eat on the way home.
All of these tips are great! Whenever I'm stressed, I try to take some time to read, colour in or take a hot bath - those things always make me feel more at ease :)
ReplyDeleteFranzi. x // [http://franzizzy.blogspot.com/
These tips are fab! It's especially important to not allow yourself to become over stressed as it effects every part of you! Thanks for the great post and I'm glad you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteMaisie xxx
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