When Life Hands You Stress

Spring is in the air. Bursts of sunshine are slipping through the windows and Easter bunny sightings are keeping us all on our toes. However, with this exciting and active season also comes the most stressful time of the year (in my own opinion). Today I made a list of things to do before the summer and well.... lets just say the list was endless and my hands got sweaty just thinking about it. It's really a great feeling (insert sarcasm here). I am sure that many of you are experiencing the same thing. While I may not be a master at handling stress, I am a pro at collecting it. Stress comes to me like pollen comes in the spring. It has a tendency of giving me horrible migraines, unhappy attitudes, and constant butterflies in my stomach. I am hoping that at least one of you has the same feelings (not you Mom... someone I am not related to). I could go on and on about the toll stress takes on me.... or I could give you  a few of my own favorite stress relievers.

1. Yoga-  I am not a master at yoga and I honestly only do it about once a month for 15 minutes. However, I have read that yoga really can make a difference in your life and the few times I have done it I felt a lot better. If you aren't sure what kind of yoga moves to do, try searching yoga videos on pinterest. I tried this once and found some really awesome ones.
2. Tea or Coffee-  I don't know if you are a coffee or a tea person; however, I do know that warm drinks and soft smells help me in times of stress. I find comfort in a cozy mug and steaming drink and somehow the world just seems better when I can sit and enjoy a cup in silence. So why not take 5 minutes to sip and sit?
3. Shower-  I know I cannot be the only person who finds great joy in taking a shower. Somehow taking a shower gives you a different perspective on life and the stress that you feel just goes straight down the drain. However, there is one rule with this. You must stay in the shower until all stress is gone. I don't care if your fingers look like prunes and you are tired of standing up. Don't step out until your perspective is cleaned up.*Shower singing is optional, but highly recommended*
4. Conversation-  If you are more of the quiet type like me, then conversation is a must for you. Talking about your stress will help you relieve your stress. Plus, you might also get some advice on how to handle the pressure.
5. Pinterest-  Pinterest is my imaginary world. Everything I love and want is all in one place and just opening up the app puts a smile on my face. Now, you are probably wondering how pinterest could relieve stress. The answer is simple. While focusing on pinning, your stress goes away. 
6. Sleep-   If all of the above fail to work for you, then it is probably time for you to close those eyes and catch some ZZZsss. I have learned that if you are so stressed that you feel sick and your attention is not on what it should be, then sleep is the best thing you can do. 
7. Prayer-  While all of the ideas listed above are good, you will never be able to live the rest of your life stress free. Consistent communication with the Lord is the best way to handle your stress. Why? Because with God, you hand him your stress and pray that you will learn to live with less. What happens? With your complete trust in him and your willingness to follow his plan, you will begin to realize stress is a thief of the present.

So my fellow friends, I challenge you to step back this spring and analyze the things that get you stressed out. Breath in and breath out. We WILL make it through this and everything WILL turn out okay. 

Overcoming stress,

Laurey