Spring is one of the best times of the year! The days get warmer and longer, the trees are full of beautiful flowers and fresh green leaves, and summer is right around the corner.
But when March turns into April and April turns into May, suddenly our calendars seem so full that it feels like we don’t even have time to step outside and enjoy the sunshine. Between final exams, field trips, award ceremonies, school plays, projects, and celebratory events, free time can be hard to find.
10 Tips for Managing Your Stress
Despite the seemingly never-ending to-do list, you still can take a moment to reflect and recharge. Here are some tips that help us combat stress during these crazy months (and all the others too!).
Slow down and breathe
Sometimes taking a moment to consciously inhale and exhale can make all the difference. Whether it is in between meetings at work or right before you go to bed, sitting still and focusing on deep breathing helps your body regulate so that you can relax or continue to take on the day.
Get enough sleep
Life is much easier when you feel refreshed from getting enough sleep the night before. Turning off the TV an hour earlier or setting a bedtime reminder on your phone can help you get to bed on time so your body is nourished with the rest it needs.
Eat fruits and veggies
One of the perks of spring is that many of our favorite fruits and veggies are back in season! Test out some recipes or try a new vegetable and pump your body with nutrients.
Go outside and soak up some sun
Spring fever is your body’s way of telling you that it’s craving some vitamin D! Try eating your breakfast or lunch outside or taking a walk during the day. Your body is sure to notice those few minutes outside and they often serve as a mood booster.
Take a dance break
Dancing is a great way to get your body moving while having fun! Turn on some groovy tunes and have a dance party while you’re making dinner or chilling out in the break room. My favorite dance break song is Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”. Shaking while dancing has health benefits (that’s why our dogs do it – it releases stress).
Don’t forget to laugh
Sometimes, when our brains are full of to-dos and deadlines, we forget to relax and enjoy the little things. Stop and laugh at a silly mistake you made or watch a video that makes you giggle. When I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I just google “funny videos under a minute”. In less than 60 seconds I can get a quick crack-up and my load lightenes.
Talk about your feelings
Turning to a trusted family member or friend to talk about how you are feeling can help more than you might think. If you don’t have anyone to talk to, try writing about your feelings. A journal can act as a great listener too. Remember those feelings are creating your thoughts and the thoughts are dictating your actions. If you want to change the way you are behaving – you must start with getting clear on what you are feeling and what those emotions are telling you.
Plan some summer fun
May means it’s almost summertime, so why not go ahead and plan some seasonal activities! Take a moment to schedule something and put it in your calendar – the anticipation of a vacation or a fun night out will help get you through those extra-stressful times. I am seriously one of those people that become an Eeyore if I do not have something I am excited about to look forward to.
Prioritize mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way to relax your body and senses and reduce stress. No matter where you are, try taking a few moments throughout the day to allow yourself to be aware of everything you are feeling and be completely present. This act will help you focus on the tasks at hand instead of stressing about what comes next. My strategy is to have nothing but pen and paper, it shocks me every time, how the answers to what I am stressing about just become less muddy, when I stop thinking about the problems and focus on what is currently going on in the present moment.
Be grateful
Make a list of the things you’re grateful for on your phone or on your notepad throughout the day. Reminding yourself of everything you have to be thankful for will help you keep a good perspective.
We Can Be a Shoulder to Lean on
Like we always say, don’t forget that we’re here to help! Let us take a load off of your plate so you can get outside, relax, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Whether you’re planning a summer work party or an end-of-year celebration for your local school, we can assist! Contact us today so we can shorten your to-do list and allow you to regain some time for yourself.