The To Do List for Managing Stress
Even if we’re practicing excellent self care, some weeks threaten our sanity. I’ve had one of those weeks, filled with last minute schedule changes and unexpected expenses that forced me to toss my proactive plans for the week aside and just put out fires. It has also been a busy week in the political sphere (aren’t they all, lately?). When a week like this strikes, I run out of emotional energy. Most of us do. Here are my recommendations for staying strong in the worst of times:
Sleep. Our emotional resources are greatly diminished when we haven’t slept enough. (Remember parenting a newborn?) Get to bed on time, even if it means skipping your me time at the end of the day.
Pack snacks. When you’re having a busier than usual week, you may end up skipping or delaying meals if you haven’t planned ahead. Keep apples, nuts, or other healthy favorites in your bag to carry you through to the next meal.
Stretch. Tension has a way of creating aches and pains if we don’t release it. Stretching can also be a wonderful way to build some extra self care into your morning, lunchtime, or bedtime routine.
Exercise. This isn’t the week to add something new, but if exercise is part of your routine don’t skip it. Those endorphins bring out your superpowers to face the rest of the day. If you’re too tight on time to hit the gym, remember that sex is exercise too.
Hug/Kiss. When you see your loved ones, grab a dose of encouragement from their snuggle power!
Lower your expectations of yourself. It’s ok to skip cooking or folding the laundry and use the time you save to just relax. Your brain needs rest! Trim unnecessary tasks from your to-do list, and ask someone for help (or hire a professional) to further reduce your workload.
Ask your partner to pitch in. Whether as a sounding board or an extra set of hands, your partner can lighten your workload and help you stay grounded.
Scale back the social media (but DO stay connected with your support system). This is a favorite for me. Tuning out the “news” of the day keeps me focused on my own tasks and goals, and prevents mental clutter.
Forgive yourself when you don’t do 1-8 perfectly. If your missteps resulted in a blowup with your partner or kids, circle back and apologize and then let it go. You can try your best again next time.
