How to Reduce Stress and Implement Self Care
Not all stress is bad.
Stress can motivate us or keep us productive. Stress can help us accomplish things and keep us focused. “Stress” by definition is your response to any change in its inner or outer environment. So without a little stress in our lives, we’d be super boring people.
BUT…. Too much stress creates problems mentally and physically for us.
Ask yourself this: How many of these common symptoms of stress have troubled you this past month?
Fatigue
Sleeplessness
Irritability, anxiety, or depression
Change in appetite
Noticeably negative attitude
Numbness
Headache, backache, or chest pain
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Poor concentration
Little things bother you
Frequent crying
Muscle spasms
Constipation or diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Difficulty controlling your temper
We expect certain things to produce stress, like getting fired or a death in the family. But even good things, like being pregnant or receiving a promotion or getting married can create stress.
Stress is part of life like eating and breathing. It’s not going away any time soon, or ever. But the key to living well with life’s stressors is making sure you choose how to respond and you stay in control of what you can control, rather than let the stressor control you. And of course making sure you have enough periods of relaxation to balance the periods of stress.
TOP TIPS TO OVERCOME STRESS & IMPLEMENT SELF CARE
Don’t spread yourself too thin– it’s ok to say NO and to be honest about your availability.
Ask for help. Lean on others and don’t try to tackle it all alone.
Focus on what's important. Know your values. Set your priorities.
Don’t demand perfectionism from yourself. Give yourself grace.
Exercise: Run, walk, bike, practice yoga. Get out and move and release endorphins.
Treat yourself. Do something every day that you enjoy doing.
Make sure you are getting enough, uninterrupted sleep. Ideally 8 hours per night.
Unplug from technology and be present. Enjoy the company of your family and friends.
Breathe or meditate. Take time to be still and quiet your mind. Schedule your down time.
Take a break and remove yourself from a stressful situation.
Stop self-criticizing and use more positive self talk.
Incorporate affirmations and gratitude practices.
Smile and hug it out.
You may be saying to yourself, that's way easier said than done. Luckily I have solutions for you!
TAKING ACTION and STAYING ACCOUNTABLE are necessary to help you achieve success and I'm here to help.
I work with women every day like you who feel overwhelmed with being a busy working mama and trying to juggle it all. I can help you understand how stress really affects your life, beyond making you sometimes want to pull your hair out. I can provide you with simple, sustainable action steps and tools you can use right away to start minimizing your stress. Book your FREE Breakthrough Call today!
Want more free resources?
Download this FREE quick and easy guide to Naturally Heal Your Stress and Overwhelm
Take this FREE quiz “Is Stress Hindering My Weight Loss” to find out how stress is sabotaging your sexy jeans. Plus, you’ll receive immediate quiz results with FREE TIPS to take control of your stress rather than let it control you!
Jessica Kishpaugh is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Life Coach and owner of LoYo Wellness in Bergen County NJ (www.loyowellness.com). Jessica specializes in healthy weight loss, intuitive eating, recovering from emotional eating, stress reduction and mindfulness. For your FREE nutrition breakthrough call, schedule a consultation here.