It's not possible to control stressful situations that we encounter from day to day, however, we can control how much that stress affects us!
1. Journal!
Identify tour stress points and write about them in a journal. Your journal doesn't have to be fancy and your spelling and grammar doesn't have to be correct. It's just the act or ritual of putting pen to paper transfers all of your mental energy out of your mind and parks it so that you can let it go. Your journaling can be sporadic, only when you have major stress or you can make it a constructive daily activity. Remember to make your own rules in order for it to work for you. Just jotting down thoughts on the back of an envelope can also work in a jam. Get it out of your head and park it on the paper!
2. Get Moving!
Your thinking 'I'm so stressed and now I have to plan an exercise regimen?' NO! Just get moving and put on any pair of shoes and take a walk. It doesn't matter where you go just get outside if possible. Leave your phone at home! (or in your pocket with the rule to only use it for a true emergency) 30 minutes of motion is best but if that just seems like too much trouble get out for 10 minutes. You may end up staying out for longer than your 10 minutes and might surprise yourself! Exercise can be an effective way of releasing pent up energy that can keep you anxious or tense.
It's all to easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of life. Practicing mindfulness can help to focus your thoughts and actions on being fully present in the moment and curb your panic by not allowing your mind to race. Being mindful can have positive mental and physical benefits. Helping to reduce worry, encourage better sleep and improve well-being are just a few of the many positive outcomes you may experience!
