If you ask my family, boyfriend, close friends, they will probably all agree that I am a high stress individual. I stress about everything, and even though I know I need to chill, I struggle. My go to therapy used to be going to sit on the beach for a few hours, but now that I live 2.5 hours from the coast I’ve had to come up with some other methods to help me de-stress.
- Taking a Hot Bath
I love being warm and submerged in water, so baths are so relaxing to me. After a long stressful day, I fill the bath up with hot (almost as hot as it gets) water and add few drops of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils. Just being able to sit silently for a few minutes and not think about anything helps de-stress me so much!
Also, essential oils have so many great benefits, and I’m planning to share my favorites and what I use them for in a future blog post! - A Quick Sweat Sesh
I know this is so cliche, but a good workout really clears my head. If I’m stressed, I need to do a hard core cardio sessions because strength training does not put me in the same “zombie mode.” My favorite cardio workout lately has been doing a spin class from the Peloton app in my basement. Release those endorphins and let your mind focus on something other than what is stressing you out for 30 minutes, and I promise you will feel better!! - Clean Your House
Nothing adds on to my stress than a messy house, so cleaning is actually very calming for me. I like to make Clark take the dogs to his apartment or the park so I can be alone and knock it out. I light a scented candle and start top to bottom! Nothing makes me feel more zen and relaxed than knowing that my house is spotless! - Walk Your Dog
Just being with my dog in general helps de-stress me. She is the sweetest little thing in the world, so taking her on a walk or to play ball makes her happy and really helps me focus on the more important things in life. I know if I screw something up or don’t get something done, she won’t care, so she’s a good companion to hang out with.
However, Pete (my other little rascal) is not as therapeutic, but he is great if I need a good laugh. He’s only 2, so he’s wild and doesn’t understand how to walk on a leash, which make walks with him really difficult. - Go on a Long Drive
This has been something I’ve done ever since I was in college. I love to drive around new areas and admire the old houses, farms, and nature that are in the less-traveled parts of North Carolina. - Write
One of the reasons I started a blog was to have an outlet for my creativity, but writing is also something I love to do when I’m stressed. I have a gratitude journal that I try to write in every morning, but sometimes writing on a longer format is super helpful as well when I’m feeling overwhelmed. - Go to Target
JK JK except not. I love Target! Everything about it makes me happy (and broke). But I never fail to feel less stressed when I leave there. If I’m really stressed and know I don’t need to buy anything, I will take just a $20 bill in with me and that is all I’m allowed to spend, so that I don’t emotional buy $200 worth of throw pillows and picture frames.
