8 Ways to Take Control of Stress

0

8 Ways to Take Control of Stress | Columbia SC Moms BlogI had a very exciting 2017. New job, new commute, new schedules, and new stuff to learn and do. It was super awesome.

It was also super stressful. Can I remind all you readers that I am starring as Mother in the major motion picture, 2 Teens and a Toddler?! Even when life is steady and predictable … wait, it is never steady and predictable. I always need a few hacks to simplify my life and spend my energy on the good stuff and not the things that cause me stress. Here’s how I’ve committed to taking control of my stress levels and living the good life in 2018.

1. Make a List  

I made a list of all the things causing me stress, and then I circled the things I’m able to control. Turns out, a lot of the things I spend time worrying about are not even within my jurisdiction. My mom told me a long time ago that I can’t control others, and all I can control is me. I can’t control bad attitudes, but I can control my attitude. I can only control what I can control, and everything else can wait. I would rather focus on things I can influence.

2. Wear Fewer Clothes 

Stay with me here. I’ve put on a few pounds since the holidays. I’m not complaining, I’m just making a statement. My clothes aren’t fitting as I would like, and therefore I am spending all my extra time in the morning changing clothes 6,000 times. I have a problem. So to avoid these mornings of frustration, I reduced my clothing options. Here’s what I did to simplify my time getting dressed.

    • Remove all clothes that make you unhappy. I filled up a bag or two for Goodwill of clothes I’m no longer wearing, and I took all the clothes that make me sad right now and moved them into another closet. All that I see now are items that fit.
    • Make outfit pairings ahead of time. I put together about 10 outfits, and hung them together with everything I would need. Dress and leggings. Shirt and skirt. Pants, top, and scarf. I can look in my closet now and grab a grouping of clothes and that is all I’m going to wear. I can vary these pre-selected items of clothing with different scarves or cardigans, but I’m not going to spend time trying on that skirt that no longer fits.
    • Don’t wear things that don’t fit/you don’t like. If they are not in my closet and in a grouping, I’m not touching them for now. 
    • Rotate fewer outfits, but get creative with accessories. I have a problem wearing the same outfit over and over, but I don’t have to. Change your scarf, jewelry, shoes, tights, cardigan, but keep the base the same. 

I’m so much happier. For the past 2 weeks, I have left myself very little room for complaining or sadness when it comes to my clothes. I feel like a new person.

3. Switch it Up 

Move the couch. Hang a picture in a different place. Change your sheets. Do anything that makes it feel like you’re not stuck with what you have. That always makes me feel a little better.

4. Hygge Your Space 

If you can and have the space to do so, try to make your workspace a little more calming. It can be very simple things. I got a very small fake plant that I can’t kill to sit on the corner of my desk. I’m always cold, so instead of putting my big coat on at work, I bought a nice, warm blanket scarf in pretty colors. I put up some artwork around my desk and refreshed the pictures of my kids and husband. I also got rid of everything cluttering up my desk. I organized my planner and rearranged my desk. I actually traded desks with a colleague, which may not be an option for everyone, but it has given me a new lease on life and a different view of the office entirely.

5. Use a Meditation App 

I like Stop, Breathe, and Think. You can choose how you’re feeling physically and mentally and emotionally, and the app will customize your meditation experience. Feeling happy and calm? Perhaps you can do a Gratefulness meditation. Feeling “meh” and angry? Choose to Relax, Ground and Clear. It’s easy to use and you can start with a two minute meditation. I’m trying to do it every morning to get my head in the game. 

6. Get Moving 

I just feel better when I exercise. Something about working up that sweat or lifting weights makes me feel stronger. I can handle all of the things. I feel myself getting restless if I skip more than two days. Join a gym, challenge a friend, register for a 5k. Pick what makes you feel stronger and more powerful, and get after it.

7. Write Notes

I started this last year, and it brings me such joy. I write notes of appreciation or encouragement whenever it feels right. Something about putting pen to paper and giving someone else a boost just makes me so happy. Spreading joy feels joyous, you know?

8. Talk it Out

With a friend or in therapy, talk about it. I recognize I can’t do this life thing alone. Find your people or person and get to gabbing. Sometimes it helps so you can move on.

9. Forgive Yourself

You won’t stress less every day. Sometimes it just gets you. You will be impatient with your children, cold to your husband, or short with a coworker. But that’s OK. Forgive yourself, apologize when necessary, and start fresh the next day.

What helps you manage the stress of daily life?

Previous articleThe Day I Let My Boys Give Me a Makeover
Next article15 Baby Products Upcycled for Toddlers
Sarah Shuster
Sarah grew up in Lancaster, SC but has called Columbia home for nearly 10 years since her undergrad days at Presbyterian College. Columbia holds a special place in her heart, as it’s where she got her first “grown up” job, obtained her Masters of Library and Information Science degree from USC, and met her husband, Todd. She became a mother for the first time three years ago to Todd’s two sweet daughters, and loves watching them grow into unique and interesting young ladies (12 & 14) who inspire her daily. She is also experiencing life with an infant for the first time with their newest family member, a silly, happy 6-month-old baby boy. Sarah is a full time children’s librarian, and loves that her passion and her career have aligned to form dreamy days of sharing her love of literacy and learning with children and families. Sarah enjoys practicing her cake decorating skills, reading, brunch, ridiculously long showers (a luxury now with an infant), working out, good coffee and perfecting the art of crockpot cooking.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here