5 Stress Relieving Things That Work For Me

I don’t want to talk too much about why I had a blogging break, as it is not something I want to document too much.

I look at my blog as a diary of my loves and experiences. No matter what experiences we have in life though, be them good or bad, I always try and look at them positively.

So, even though I’ve gone through a crazy month, I want to gather something helpful and positive from it.

One of the feelings I have felt a lot recently is stress. A level of stress that has been a strain on my mind. I haven’t been able to switch off, think straight, and it’s just generally thrown me off balance.

All I have been capable of once work has finished is heading home, sitting on the couch and watching Gilmore Girls. Seriously, one day I didn’t even move, I just sat and watched it.

Loralie and Rory (Gilmore Girls characters for those who don’t know – highly recommend also) have become my comfort blanket. It’s actually become “a thing” in my house now. So much so that if I tell Ste I’m having a bad day, he responds with “get yourself home and put Gilmore Girls on”.

This got me thinking though about other ways I can help myself in combatting this stress, that I could feel verging on anxiety.

I practiced a number of things, and they have all helped massively. Which is how I am back to blogging, and why I want to share them with you all.

If you’re feeling lost, stressed, and generally feeling low, then give these things a try. They’ve all helped clear my mind for that short time, which is the greatest help.

Go For A Walk

Walking is a great stress relief. If you go for a walk in a lovely place, this is guaranteed to help relieve your mind. Getting fresh air is a proven mood enhancer. It stops us from feeling sluggish and it revitalises us.

I love to walk when I’m feeling a little low, as I can take it all at my own pace. I can just concentrate on taking in my surroundings and clear my head.

I could go on walks for hours. Granted there’s a coffee stop involved. Plus, another thing I love about walking is that you notice so much more what is around you. You have the time to really appreciate things.

Try heading to a park, or coastal walk near you and give it a go.

Talk To Someone

A problem shared is a problem halved. We’ve all heard that right? Well I believe it. Once you open up and share how you’re feeling, you’ll feel a weight lift from your chest.

It’s great to get another persons perspective. They can offer advice, support and many even have their own experiences to share.

Try talking to a close friend, family member or even colleague. Sometimes the less close to home someone is, they’re easier to open up to.

An important thing to remember is, there is always someone who will listen. Aside from family and friends, the many helplines that are out there are also wonderful.

Have a Work Out

This has been one of my saving graces. I love working out, I have done for years, but I’m not a constant gym go-er. I have weeks where I won’t do anything. But then when I do start working out, I feel so much better.

I have put lots of time in to working out over these last few weeks, and it has really helped to focus and calm my mind.

Varying your work outs is good as well. I’ve taken up a bit of pad work (boxing – although I’m not calling it that as I have no technique). This is great for getting out any pent up aggression. Such a good stress relief.

I like to mix this with Zumba, circuit training and spin classes too.

Watch A Movie

My other saving grace has been the movies. I am a film addict anyways, but when you truly want to switch off, this is my biggest help.

Going to the cinema, not looking at your phone for 2 hours, and just concentrating on the plot is the best. I’ve applied cinema rules to at home too.

Once a movie is on, my phone and the outside world is off.

I love getting immersed in the story and then having a chat about it afterwards. Getting Odeon Limitless this year has been the best decision ever.

Indulge In A Hobby

A great way to keep your mind busy, and to pass the time is to immerse yourself in a hobby. I love to read and bake, but don’t do either often enough. When I get the chance I jump at them because they really relax me and take my mind off things.

When baking I love to put my music on, or a YouTube video & just concentrate on the ingredients. When baking you can’t afford to be distracted, as we all know the disastrous consequences of a soggy bottom (Bin-Gate).

I love getting stuck in to a good book as well. Once I’m sitting in the house, all cosy and quiet, I feel fully indulged in the story. If anyone has any good book recommendations, let me know.

All of these things have really helped me get back on track recently. I’d love to know if any of these help you battle stress too? Or you use them as a general pick-me-up? What other stress busting and feel good things do you do?

Jessi

xoxo

Photography – Allie Davies.    Bag – Karl Lagerfeld – from Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.    Shoes – Reebok Classics.