Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic.
These past few weeks have really taken a toll. Late last month, my youngest son broke his leg and has since needed significant help getting around. Then, three weeks ago, I was given four new projects at work that kept me at the office long after I’m used to staying. To top it all off, my husband was laid off last Friday, meaning that we’re now on a much stricter budget than before. I’ve had trouble sleeping these past few nights because I’m so worried about bills, my son’s health, staying on track at work, etc. I really need to take a break, but this just isn’t the time and I’m not sure exactly how to handle this amount of stress all at once.
If you have a family to take care of, a career that seems to require all of your time and energy, and lots of other concerns that seem to come with simply being alive these days, then you’re well aware of just how hard it can be to juggle it all without going crazy. In a world where it seems that everything requires our attention, taking a break to just relax and relieve some stress may seem like an impossibility.
Many of us prefer to take a jog, meditate, read a book or watch some TV when stress becomes too much to handle, but for others, these outlets don’t necessarily work. What about some other less conventional ways of blowing off some steam? As April is Stress Awareness Month, we decided that it’s time to go over a few unconventional ways to help you relax and reset.
Satisfy that Green Thumb
Activities and accomplishments that give you a sense of self-worth can be very stress-relieving. Click To TweetI had no idea until recently just how therapeutic yard work can be (for my mind, if not necessarily for my lower back). If you find yourself at ease in your garden or trimming some hedges, then go for it! So, the next time you feel like pulling your hair out because things aren’t going well for you in life, pull on those gardening gloves, grab a trowel and tidy up that flower bed that you love seeing. Weeding has become one of my personal go tos.
Spend Time with Fido (or Milo!)
Man’s best friend didn’t get his/her name by chance. Dogs make great pets, and several studies have shown that owning a dog or any type of pet tends to help relieve stress. So, if you have a four-legged companion who makes your world so much better, take him/her for a walk, spend a few hours at a dog beach or park, or simply cuddle up with them at home. Talk to your pet as well if you feel the need to get something off of your chest. They may not know what you’re saying, but their happiness in knowing that you’re talking to them is good enough!
Cook Up a Storm
If you’re a person whose mind relaxes when creating a delicious dish, then go right ahead! Click To TweetLike we mentioned earlier, some people like jogging to relieve their stress. Others prefer to read. However, some people feel most relaxed in the kitchen. Like gardening, cooking a full meal can give you a sense of accomplishment that can help push life’s worries to the backburner.
With Your Best Friend
Some people feel absolutely at ease in the company of close friends. Click To Tweet When stress begins to be too much to handle, reach out to someone you know. They’re your most trusted confidants and opening up to them can help strengthen the bond you already share. Spend time at home with them, or if you feel the need to get out of the house, head out to do some shopping or get a drink at a coffee shop.
Alone Time
Many think that dealing with stress requires the help of others, but that’s not always the case. Click To TweetOn the flip-side of our previous suggestion, some people actually prefer to be alone to deal with their stress. If you find comfort in indulging in some alone time, then by all means, do what helps you. Catch a movie, spend some time at a book shop or do something else that you enjoy where you can be alone and at peace to refresh and reenergize.
Helping You Feel Better
Everyone deals with stress at some point in their lives. Whether it involves school, work, family life or something else, stress needs an outlet. If we let our stress build to overwhelming levels without doing something to reduce it, it can cause serious health problems and make it difficult to function on a day-to-day basis. We always encourage people to deal with their stress in a safe and productive way. If you’re having trouble dealing with it on your own and need some professional advice, then we’re here for you. Contact our licensed psychologists in Tampa today to schedule your appointment.
