CREATING A STRESS-FREE 2019

As we start to get into the swing of things for 2019, it’s important to put some strategies and practices in place that can help you create a stress free 2019.

There are many things that can lead to stress, and we each have different ways in which we react to stress as well.

Some of us can get anxious, others get angry, or some just completely shut down and close off all emotion.

I think its safe to say that many of us don’t particularly enjoy feeling stressed. It can be super uncomfortable to feel this way and can have a major impact on the way in which we go about our day to day life.

This year, I am trying my absolute best to have a relatively stress free 2019.

That doesn’t mean I’m not going to experience any stress this year.

BUT

I am constantly working at putting in place strategies that I can use to hopefully lessen the stressful times, or calm myself down when things get a little overwhelming.

If you’re wanting to tackle your stress levels this year, then here are a few tips!

Breathe Deeply

I find that it can be so easy to forget how to breathe when times are stressful.

Deep breathing can help with many things, but mainly it’s ideal for calming us down and distracting us from thoughts and sensations.

Deep breathing is something I’ve been practicing for quite some time now, but it did take me a while to work out what type of deep breathing works for me.

I find that now, I can pretty much do my deep breathing and mindfulness anywhere, in any situation (but this hasn’t always been the case).

If you’re new to this type of relaxation, I suggest practicing in a quiet and comfy area that is free from distractions.

Then, begin by breathing in slowly through your nose, and out through your mouth. Take your time with this.

You could even count in for 5 (count 1,2,3,4,5) and then out for 5 (5,4,3,2,1).

Set Up A Routine

Start the year with a routine in place, as a routine provides structure and an organised way of living.

Having a routine can also eliminate unnecessary stresses that may pop up if you don’t have a routine.

When your routine is well structured, it means you can be more productive and can utilise your day in a better way.

It may take time for you to develop the right routine for you, but once you find one works, it will help relieve stress too!

Minimise Distractions

Last year I definitely allowed myself to become too distracted when it came to work.

This then led to unnecessary stress.

This year, I am going to make a conscious effort to reduce distractions around me.

These distractions are generally in the form of technology (mainly social media) and aimlessly scrolling through my phone when I’ve got other things that are WAY more important that I should be focusing on.

Let me get back to you on ways in which I minimise distractions this year!

Practice Self Care

People throw the “self care” term around all the time, but it really is so important.

When we are in a tense or stressful situation, we can often forget to look after ourselves, and we ignore the needs of our mind and body.

It’s important to integrate a self care strategy into your life, and make it something that you do regularly, as this can often prevent stress from occurring, or make it not as bad as it used to be.

Exercise

I know I talk about my love for exercise A LOT, but it seriously is a massive stress reliever and stress preventer for me.

By exercising regularly, you can decrease the production of stress hormones, and its also a great mood booster too!

If you find that you struggle to fit a regularly exercise routine into your life, try and carve out just 15-20 minutes a day where you go for a walk around the block, or even do some stretches or exercises in the office or at home!

Although stress and anxiety may rise in your work and personal life, there are many ways in which you can create a stress-free environment for yourself.

Remember to take care of yourself this year!

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