How to Help Yourself Chill Out When You’ve Had a Stressful Day
Life can throw a lot at us, right? I mean, even without any wrenches thrown in, working, moming, household running, and living in general has it’s tote bag-full of stressors. But, like anything, there are good ways to deal with dress and then there are bad ways. We made a list of some of the good ways you can deal with stress in your life.
Soothing music
Knowing myself, I’ve created several different playlists for moods I find myself it or, rather, moods I would like to create. Music has an extreme affect on how we feel and we can use music to try to lasso the mood we want. If you’re needing to take a time out, listen to some soothing instrumental music.
Take a nap
Before you make any life altering decisions, first try taking a nap and see if you feel better. Everything *might* just be ok. And if it’s not, well at least you’ll have a clear head to make decisions with. Sleep is said to boost your mood and keep stress at bay. Mamas can sometimes feel guilty when they take naps, remembering 10,000 other things they could be doing. But use this post as your “Free Nap Coupon” on us.
Go for a run
Ok, ok. You don’t have to run, per se. But doing something to get your heart rate up and sweat a little can actually do a lot to relieve stress and improve your mood. It’s also been proven that working out causes the release of endorphins to the brain. So there’s that.
Talk about it
Have a friend with two ears? Grab ‘em and head to a cafe. Buy them a coffee as payment for listening to you rant for a while about your day. In the end, [hopefully, if you’ve picked the right friend] at the very least you’ll feel heard. Which might actually be all you need to help you put your stressful day to rest.
Detox
“When your stomach is empty and your mind is full, it’s always hard to sleep.” -Charlotte's Web
Getting hangry happens to everyone. What’s more is that sometimes eating the wrong foods can be just as bad or worse than having a hungry tummy. Try really focusing on the quality of foods you eat for several days. Study after study shows that healthy foods can help to lighten your mood, help you feel better, AND help you to think clearly; while eating unhealthy foods (although it might feel like a relief to pull up to the drive through instead of cook your own meal) can actually increase anxiety and depression. Give it a try! No one ever said they regretted eating clean for a few days.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelsea Damon is a writer and a mama who is passionate about coffee, joyful marriages, healthy lifestyles, and Dwell + Slumber! You can read more of Chelsea's writing on her blog, Living the Sweet Life.