Stress is something that tends to bring the worst out of people. You become so focused on all of the things that are causing you stress that you forget to care for yourself both mentally and physically. This results in a variety of problems ranging from weight fluctuations to depression and even a worse temper than you usually have. Learning to care for yourself during stressful times allows you to manage that stress in a healthy way and work through it, rather than letting it consume you. Self care varies from one person to the next, but these are some good places to start until you learn exactly what self care looks like for you!
Hydration is Key
Drinking water is where self care begins all of the time, but especially during times of stress. Staying hydrated improves your physical and mental health, promotes clear skin, and so much more! Start by drinking 8 glasses of water per day and work up from there. To encourage your new water drinking habit, take some time to shop for a reusable water bottle that you love! Carry it with you and whenever it’s empty, fill it up. You’ll be surprised how quickly you start drinking more and more water!
Learn to Say “No”
Saying no can be difficult, especially if you’re worried about letting someone down. As difficult as saying no may be, it’s impossible to say yes to everyone all of the time. That leads to you feeling overwhelmed because you’ve committed to too many things and don’t have the time or resources to do them all. When you’re starting to feel stressed and overwhelmed, learn to say no.
Make Time for Sleep
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Sleep allows you to heal both mentally and physically for the next day ahead. As much as you may think skipping sleep will allow you to do more and eliminate your stress, it’s almost guaranteed to have the opposite effect. Allow yourself to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, no exceptions.
Be Kind to Yourself
During times of stress it’s easy to forget that you’re only capable of so much at once. Remember that it’s okay to not be perfect all of the time. You might miss a deadline, be late to a meeting, or order takeout 3 times in one week, and that’s okay!
Stressful times are difficult to mange, but they won’t last forever. Take care of yourself and do what you need to do to get back to happier times!
Comments are closed