Stress is one of my worst enemies, throw a little anxiety in the mix and we have my two worst enemies joining forces!
With November sneaking up on us, and the holidays just around the corner, this can be a very stressful time for many of us.
If you're feeling a little stressed or anxious lately (or know it's coming!), here are some realistic tips and tricks to help you get through to the other side.
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Start a mindfulness practice.
Guided meditation is a great way to start - it will allow you to distract yourself from the stress of day-to-day life. You can even find guided meditations on the internet that can help you find 5 minutes of centered relaxation. Start small and aim for 5-10 minutes a day, then build from there. I wake up early each morning (before chaos ensues) and meditate before having my breakfast and coffee.
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Manage social media time.
This is one I'm still working on. You really don't realize how addicted you are until you try to take something away from yourself! Seriously though...I never thought I was addicted until I really started paying attention to it. And once I became more aware, I have tried to cut back - in the morning, I don't touch my phone until I've meditated and had my breakfast and coffee. In the evening, I put my phone away at 8:30 pm. then I try to do some light stretches or reading before bed (as an added bonus, this has helped with my sleep too!).
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Eat for a calm mind & happy body.
Stress can deplete certain vitamins and minerals such as A, B complex, C and E. Fueling the body with nutritious (real) foods - especially colorful fruits and vegetables, not only helps our physical body, but can also provide support to our mind too.
Also, it's important to avoid (or at least limit) processed foods, foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. And be mindful of alcohol and caffeine. Have I mentioned, you'll thank me later?
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Connect with others.
Something I feel is getting lost in the 21st century. But guess what? Humans are social beings, and we need to connect with others to truly feel supported. So put your phone down and go meet a friend for coffee. Enjoying a shared activity allows you to find support and foster relationships that can be supportive in difficult times.
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Prioritize sleep.
This is a BIG one. We all know how vital a good night's rest is, yet we never seem to make it a priority. Sleep is so important to both our physical and mental health. Simple things like creating a nighttime routine and putting your phone down 60 minutes before bed will help you get a better night's sleep.
Does this resonate with you? I would love to hear what topics are sparking your interests lately.
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