Simple Ways I Do To Combat Stress

“Wish we could turn back time

to the good old days
When our momma sang us to sleep
but now we’re stressed out”

I really love that song from Twenty One Pilots and I can relate to it in some ways.

Haven’t we gone to feeling stressed, exhausted or agitated at some point? Remember even in college, we at a certain time felt pressured by a “few good” professors (sarcasm intended), the grueling exams and those taxing theses to be passed?

Now that we're grown-ups, either working or married, the demands are even higher - the bills to be paid on time, monthly groceries, allowances, debts, tuition fees, probably strained relationship (between you and your boss, co-workers, spouse or kids) and the list goes on. Quite stressful huh?

Stress. It is but a common term in this fast-paced world. It is everywhere. Comes in different sizes but can drain us over time if ignored. 

A brief confession

When I was still working on a night shift, in a rather frantic environment (at least for me!), I used to be tensed a lot. Headaches seemed to be a normal thing. I was sickly, cranky on most days when I was home and even the slightest amount of noise would irritate me. 

I was emotionally bothered to the point of depression. Something wasn’t right and I knew it. I was STRESSED OUT.

That was two years ago before my second child was born.

Today, as a SAHM of two (11 year- old boy and 15 month- old baby), I couldn’t afford stress to deplete my energy again.

I want to be and I’m aiming to be as cheerful as possible amidst the daily noise, chaos, and busy-ness that I get for being a “Yaya-less” mother. 

I believe that MOMS are like “well” from which our spouses and children draw love, happiness, comfort, and support. Thus, this “well” must be replenished all the time so that we can give our 100% wholeness to them. 

And therefore, it’s just right that we take so much care of ourselves in every aspect be it physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

In dealing with stress, each of us has different ways to approach it. Mine is just simple. Read on...I hope you’ll find them helpful as well.

1. I stop watching the news on TV

First on the list! I’m the type of person who gets easily affected by what I see especially if the videos are graphic. Then, lately, I’m getting tired of the same old news about crimes and politics. I don’t want any more noise in my head so I opt not to watch evening news anymore.

2. I disconnect from social media

I sometimes feel that social media like FB only triggers the “critic” in me and I can’t help it. Don’t get me wrong though. I like FB and use it to be updated and connected with my relatives/friends and also to grow my FB page followers. However, I also find it noisy due to some unfiltered news feed. So I take a break from it from time to time. 

3. I read

Whenever I feel down, these two blog sites are my source of inspiration – Every day A New Page and Chasing Dreams. 

I get a boost of my spirituality from Ms. Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio (every day a New Page) through her musings and reflections. She’s one talented person not just in acting but also in writing! 

Ms. Rhiza Oyos (Chasing Dreams) on the other hand is my ideal blogger. For me, she’s an expert in her niche. She’s so relatable and artistic in her own ways. Browsing through her site is so refreshing! 

4. I write

As I used to say it, writing is my sweet escape from my daily routine of being a wife and a mom. It’s like releasing my words in the open when I have no one to talk to or to listen to my nonsense haha. It’s therapeutic.

5. I listen to soothing music

For me, nothing calms a weary soul than listening to some jazz or mellow music.  

6. I take a walk

A short walk with my kids, gazing at the sky and catching some air relax me. Well, for now, it is the only form of exercise that I can do (coz as much as I want to work out, I could only wish!). 

7. I eat bananas

There’s something about bananas that enhances my mood. Science says it’s the serotonin which is responsible for “happy molecule”. But whatever it is, I just love munching bananas ever since :)

8. I get enough sleep

Though nearly impossible when you have a baby, I’m still trying to get a good sleep whenever I can. We know us, MOMS, very much need that physical vitality to last the day’s work. We shouldn’t deprive ourselves of sleep so we can regain our strength back. 

9. I pause and reflect

Maybe it comes with age because now, I tend to be more reflective. So whenever I feel a bit cloudy, I just pause, look at the mirror and smile back. I practice this as often as I can to affirm myself that “Everything’s going to be alright.” And it instantly works.

How about you? How do you fight stress?

Photo credit to pixabay, unsplash

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