How I Manage Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety were a huge part of my life just a few years ago.  They were a badge of honor for me.  I took pride in the fact that I could run a business, homeschool and raise 3 kiddos, cook 3 healthy meals a day while also taking care of the household!  I was stressed, overworked, overwhelmed with no end in sight!

Just writing this makes me exhausted! haha. Now, looking back I see how completely crazy it was to think that the more I could juggle, the more my worth increased.  What a crock!

Stress and anxiety were eating away at me from the inside, little by little and I'm so incredibly grateful that I was able to find another way...a better way!  It took some learning, don't get me wrong...and there are still moments in my life where I can feel the stress sneaking up on me, but I'm glad to say that I'm now fully equipped to nip that little sucker in the bud ✌️

It's not about one thing I do though, it's about the consistent way in which I utilize the tools I've gained to work for me.

The first thing that has been a game changer is becoming aware of the problem in the first place!  Being able to recognize the feelings as they started to take over my mind and my body.  In order to do that I had to set a few practices in place, because when you go from running the rat race to trying to become aware and fully conscious of your thoughts and feelings...let me tell you, it's not a walk in the park 😉

So here are a few things that have helped me manage stress and anxiety and I hope they'll help you too!

Morning Routine

I take 5 minutes before getting out of bed, upon opening my eyes to feel how my body feels.  Do I have any aches or pains?  Do I have any thoughts that aren't serving me already?  Am I in a rush to grab my phone to check Facebook or Instagram or my emails in fear that I've missed something?  I take a deep breath and bring my awareness to the now.  I think of all that I am incredibly grateful for and I sit with the feelings.  I set the intention that today is going to be my best day yet, because I decided.

I meditate each day, even if it's only for 5 minutes because even 5 minutes is enough to calm my nervous system and allow me to practice presence.

I journal, again even if I only have 5 minutes, I make it a point to not skip.  I journal about the feelings that are coming up for me, what I desire out of this life, how I desire to feel, what I am grateful for, what makes me happy, what I am available for.  All of this brings me a great sense of awareness and allows me to dive deep into who I AM.

I move my body daily

Working out is an amazing way to release stress and just be in the moment.  It doesn't have to be an hour session on the treadmill or weight lifting.  You just have to move in a way that feels good for you, it's been proven that even 15 minutes a day can do the body a world of good.

I get fresh air

Sometimes that means going outside for 5-10 minutes and just letting the sun hit my skin or a walk or a quick hike, whatever is enjoyable to you.

Take a step back

When I feel the stress and anxiety come on, or if I'm in a full blown WTF moment, I take a step back, I take 3 deep breaths and I ask myself this: "Is there a way for me to change what has already occurred?  Will stressing out over it do me or anyone else any good?  Can I control the outcome/what happens next?  Is anybody going to die?  If the answer is no, then I choose to choose again.  I choose to take a few more deep breaths and simply allow it all to unfold as it should.  I needed to work my trust muscle for this one a bit 😉 Knowing that the Universe is always conspiring in our favor

Choose healthy food

I choose foods that nourish my body, because when I fuel my body with chemically heavy foods, I put a lot of unnecessary stress on my body, which inevitably affects my mind, my thoughts as well as my energy!

Experts have been showing over and over again how detrimental stress and anxiety can be for our health and how these simple and natural ways of managing it can be effective.

I'd love to hear how you choose to manage your stress.  I'd also love to know if you use any of the same methods I do!