Self Care Girl Stress Survival Guide

Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.  ~John De Paola

April is Stress Awareness month (and I have been so busy, I almost missed it!)

Here is the Self Care Girl Quick Guide to Stress Identification & Reduction:

5 Signs You Might Be Stressed:

1)      You are short on patience

2)      You are forgetful

3)      You have a headache and/or  your body is tense

4)      You are neglecting basic needs: sleep, eating, companionship,

5)      You keep making mistakes

5 Ways to Combat Stress:

1)      Take a break immediately and regularly- even just a few minutes of deep breathing and stretching (and breathing some more) will help. The best time to take a break is when you least feel you have time for one!)

2)      Ensure your basic needs are being met- eat more healthy, go to bed earlier, surround yourself with supportive and helpful people (Ask for and accept help!)

3)      Walk.   This is the best way I know of to sort things out and regain perspective

4)      Write.   Sometimes keeping too much information in your head can increase your stress level.   Make lists- remove those items that are low priority

5)      Let go of what you cannot control.   Yes, this is easier said than done, but it does get easier with practice.  Ultimately you have to trust in God or the Universe on some things.   Ask yourself “what is the worst that can happen” then ask “in 100 years will anyone care?”

Honestly, some stress can be very motivating and good for us, but if the stress in your life is causing you misery it is probably NOT the good kind!   No matter what circumstances are invading your life, your health and well-being must come first.  

Take Good Care!