Hello Happy Souls:
I hope you are all doing amazing today. I’m slowly getting back into the routine of blogging and creating a schedule. I’ve been taking some time for myself and really taking things slow. The best way for me to avoid anxiety and stress is to avoid taking on too much. Getting overwhelmed only creates negative energy around me. Therefore, I have been trying to take breaks and moments for myself.
Since my last post was a little negative for PYM, I am doing a follow up now. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, you can click here. (The Truth)
Today, I wanted to share a few of my tips for regrouping and getting your shit together. As I said, I have been taking my time and working on getting back into a positive daily routine. So, this is not expert advice, just real life of someone going through the process of getting their life together again.
Take a Walk in the Park:
Literally. I’ve found a local nature park that has become my go-to walking spot. Walking has been a nice step toward my old workout schedule. But, I’ve been walking instead of running simply to enjoy the moment. There is no rush and it gives me time to de-stress. I take in all the sights and fresh air, it’s truly refreshing.
You can find parks near you or just walk around your neighborhood. Just getting outside in the sunshine can help boost your mood.
Listen to an Empowering Book:
Listen? Not read? Yes! I have been listening to two audiobooks on my walks. Crushing It by Gary Vee & The Subtle Art of not Giving a F**k by Mark Manson. Listening to my books not only pairs well with my walking but it has also removes the guilt of “not having time” to read a book. I always want to read all these books but fail to make time for it, which leaves me feeling bad. Audiobooks are a blessing. They allow me to listen and get inspired, while doing my daily routines.
Audible does a free 30-day trial, which is how I got these two books. However, I may consider purchasing a monthly membership.
Dance or Swing on the Swings:
You may be thinking…what? I mean just don’t be afraid to have a little fun and change it up. Release your inner child, shamelessly. The other night I went to the gym to “workout” and ended up spending the time dancing like a kid again (I was a dancer in my youth). The next day during my walk, I decided to swing on the swings at the park. I made the decision to do something a little different than usual, as well as just have fun in the moment. Why not? Life is too short to act like an adult 24/7. Do the “childish” things: swing in the park, dance at the gym, get excited over a bird, take a walk in the park. Whatever, just take a moment to enjoy life around you.
Do Things You Love:
Seems obvious, right!? Well, not always. We sometimes neglect the things we enjoy doing when we allow ourselves to be overcome with anxiety, stress and depression. Even the things we love can become too much. However, you should still move towards those things. I love visiting cafes, not just for coffee but for the atmosphere as well. So, I have added this into my new routine because it’s important for my overall happiness and mood.
If you are forgetting what makes you feel happy, write it out. Sit down and decide activities or hobbies that would bring you genuine joy and pleasure. Think simply and think big; do the simple things daily and the big things slowly.
Journal:
I’ve purchased yet another notebook to write out my weekly intentions, goals and moods. I decided to do this to track my overall health and wellness. It will be nice to look back at my progress in the future. Journaling is also really great for clearing your head from negativity and creating more space for positive thoughts. It helps me visualize what I may be feeling and release the stress/negativity more easily.
Marshalls and Target have super cute journals and notebooks!
Embrace Each Day as it Comes:
The BIG focus. Lately, I have been allowing myself to be thankful for each day as it is. Less expectations of what it “should” be and more gratitude for what it becomes. Nothing will always go your way, no matter how much you try to control it. Therefore, you must embrace things as they come. This lowers stress/anxiety and creates more space for positive energy.
Letting the day just flow has been so much more enjoyable and stress-free. Of course I still of my moments of anxiety and stress, but then I allow myself time to collect my thoughts and move forward. I realize it’s not a big deal and if it is a big deal, how can I handle it? I’m learning that you can’t completely get rid of stress or anxiety, to some degree it is human nature. However, I can control how I react and learning to react to only what matters has been my key to self improvement process.
These are just a few of my tips for regaining control of your mind and your life, in such a way that relieves stress and creates space for positive growth. Challenges and struggles shape us into stronger beings. We are faced with daily stresses and it’s up to us, as individuals, to choose how we react to these stresses. Managing stress and what triggers you will put you on the path to a more anxious-free life.
Your mental health is important and it’s okay to take a break sometimes. I want you to know that it does get better, no experience or situation is permanent. You will preserver and grow into an even more beautiful human because of it. Those who struggle the most in life tend to be some of the most genuine and amazing humans. Embrace your flaws and make moves in a positive direction.
Happy Monday.
xo, Alyssa
