Stress is inevitable. It is part of life and some seasons are definitely more stressful than others. I have come to realize that it is all about how you handle it. I am a big believer that your mindset and the way you take care of yourself can completely transform how you handle stressful seasons. I can’t always control what is happening around me, but I CAN control how I take care of myself and how I react.
Over the years I have figured out a few things that really help me step back, regroup, reset, and keep moving forward. Here are 5 things I always come back to when I am feeling stressed.
1. Move My Body
Movement has always been a huge priority for me. Even on the busiest days when I am running on fumes, I make the time because I know how much better I feel when I do. A good workout or even just getting outside for a walk can completely change my mood and clear my head.
Sure there are days when getting started is the hardest part, but I remind myself that “this is will only make me better” and get it done! I cannot stress enough how taking care of my body has such a positive impact on my mind. Plus, I know I have never regretted moving my body.
2. Take Time To Unplug
I am someone who is always thinking about what is happening next and what needs to get done. I am naturally always ON, so completely shutting everything off is not always realistic or easy for me but when I can, I like to unplug from all the noise around me. I put the phone down and just be present. Life moves fast and it is easy to get caught up in everything that needs to be done. Even if it is just stepping outside for some fresh air, that little reset can make such a difference. Sometimes you have to step away to come back better!
3. Change My Mindset
Your mindset is such a powerful tool! It is really easy to let all the stress and fear of what could go wrong consume you. Reframe your mindset and choose to see the good in every situation. Life certainly isn’t easy and every day isn’t going to be perfect, but one thing that I know I can control is focusing my mind and energy on the positive side. See how that shift affects your attitude!
One of my favorite quotes is “being positive won’t guarantee that you will succeed but being negative will guarantee that you won’t!” Next time you start to have negative thoughts, remember this quote!!
4. Do Something for YOU
Fill your cup!! I will say this over and over… taking care of yourself is NOT selfish! When I take care of myself, it allows me to be a better parent, wife, friend, sister, coworker & everything in between.
My self care looks different depending on the day. Sometimes it’s a workout, getting a treatment at RA, diving into a good book, ordering a coffee, getting my nails done or waking up before everyone for a little quiet time. Know what fills your cup and make the time for it! Schedule it into your calendar and prioritize it. You only get one life and YOU are important too!
5. Lean Into Your People
The people you surround yourself with have such a huge impact on your life. You truly are who you surround yourself with! When my mind feels heavy, I lean into the people who lift me up. Find the people who support you, encourage you, and remind you of what really matters and what you are capable of.
I know stress is always going to be part of my life and not every day is going to be sunshine and rainbows. What I have learned is how important it is to know what helps me feel my best and make those things a priority when I need them most. At the end of the day we can’t control everything that happens around us but we CAN control how we take care of ourselves and how we react. Take care of yourself, protect your mindset and remember that you are in control of how you respond. You’ve got this!!
XO,
Racquel
