Fearless Friday: How to Manage Stress + Allow Yourself To Be Vulnerable.
"Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage." - Brene Brown
It's been a long and heavy week filled with tough decisions and high emotions. Not my favorite combo but then again, this thing called life ain't easy.
Stress has different effects on everyone. Some bury themselves in work for distraction. Some eat more...some eat less. Some emote...some bottle it up. This week got me thinking how stress manifests itself in me. I see patterns: I sleep less, I can be emotional, I take on too much and I'm often in la la land over-thinking the situation. I also get a horrible case of dark circles under my eyes and a fever blister on my lip. (same spot every time...why is that?)
What I've learned over the years isn't mind-blowing per se but I do want to share what helps me get over the hump. It's important to be cognizant of when your stress levels raise, when to push off more responsibility and most important of all, when to accept the fact that we all have no choice but to be vulnerable sometimes. There's no way around it.
Here are 5 tips that help me manage my stress levels:
- Work Out: Captain Obvious here but there's nothing like working up a little sweat and releasing some endorphins. You will never work out and feel worse. It's the reason I got back into the groove after starting my own company.
- Give It A Good Cry: I haven't cried that much lately which is surprising but it felt good to...well...allow myself to crumble a bit and get it all out. Not the ugly type of cry but the cleansing kind. I swear a good cry clears my head once in awhile.
- Go To Bed Early: Everything will be clearer with a good night's sleep. While you're at it...take a melatonin. They're all natural and will restore your body's natural sleep rhythms.
- Talk It Out: Weigh out the different scenarios with people you trust. Use your loved ones as a sound boarding and get their advice. It's free!
- Take 5 Minutes to Yourself Everyday: Walk away from the computer, the TV and your phone. Take a walk or just stare at the wall...read a book. Let your mind wander.
Being vulnerable is such an important part of our growth. What doesn't break us makes us stronger. Let yourself be that and then hug the ones you love. (thank you for your kind comments)
xo
Check out today's link ups: Style Elixir, Jo Lynn Shane, The Fashionista Momma, Lisa ala Mode, Mix & Match Fashion
When you have chronic pain, it feels like you're having chronic conversations about it, too. It's a joy-sucking, time-sucking event that can drain you mentally and physically.