Chronic stress can zap your energy and undermine your health. If tensions build up throughout the week, you may have trouble resting and recharging on your days off. Then, you start the next week tired out from the start.
Break the cycle with this 4-step plan to squash stress before it accumulates. Start your week off feeling peaceful and relaxed.
Practice Relaxation
1. Slow down.
Do you rush around from Monday to Friday trying to meet deadlines at work and deliver your kids to soccer practice on time? Wake up early and leave a gap between appointments. Pause to collect your thoughts, and listen to birds sing.
2. Turn off your phone.
Try to disconnect for at least an hour each day. Connect with family and friends face-to face instead of texting.
3. Pray and meditate.
For many adults, spiritual traditions are the ultimate source of stability and contentment. Study inspirational texts and contemplate how they relate to your personal challenges.
4. Express your creativity.
Whatever your beliefs, you can blow off steam by engaging in arts and crafts. Play the piano or knit your husband a sweater.
Remembering our blessings reminds us of our connection to each other and the divine. The world instantly looks a lot friendlier, and that’s reassuring.
3. Let go of expectations.
Of course, many outcomes in life are beyond our control. Base your confidence on your ability to adapt to setbacks and changing circumstances. Accept uncertainty, and take pleasure in the opportunity to learn and stretch your skills.
4. Laugh it off.
Most of the things that make us uneasy have their funny side. Look for the humor in really bad parking or kitchen remodeling jobs that go way over schedule.
Take Care of Yourself
1. Exercise regularly.
Physical activity is good for your body and mind. In addition to burning calories, a run through the park will dissolve stress. Find a variety of workouts you enjoy so you can look forward to ice skating or volley ball.
2. Eat a nutritious diet.
Diet plays an important role in keeping us resilient and able to deal with stress. Get most of your calories from vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reward yourself with theater tickets instead of second helpings of dessert.
3. Sleep well.
Your body uses sleep as a time to heal the physical inflammation caused by stress. Go to bed and rise at about the same time each day. Darken your bedroom or wear ear plugs if lights and noise are disturbing your slumbers.
Simplify Your Routines
1. Clear away clutter.
Clean and spacious settings make it easier to relax. Gather up items you no longer use. Donate them to charity or sell them online. As a bonus, you’ll be able to complete your housework in less time, eliminating another common source of stress.
2. Buy less.
Prevent clutter from gaining a foothold by consuming less. Figure out how many shoes and electronic gadgets you really need.
3. Eliminate unnecessary tasks.
Streamline your schedule too. Focus on your most important priorities, and avoid taking on other obligations.
Cut stress off at the source. Begin your week with simple habits and easy decisions that protect your peace of mind. You’ll feel less frazzled and more alive each day.
