Five Simple Strategies for a Less Stressful Year
There’s no good reason to make life harder than it has to be.
Shouldn’t things have calmed down by now?
Instead, we have Omicron on the rise, political strife around the world, an economy that serves few, and Netflix not renewing Cowboy Bebop for a second season.
No wonder we’re stressed.
All that said, it’s more important than ever to look after ourselves and practice strategies to protect our calm. While it may not be the best analogy, I tend to look at this as akin to the Blitz during World War II. Our daily bombardments may not be as physically destructive, but they are similarly traumatic for many people.
So in that spirit, I really feel for the British response of “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
Here are five simple ways to help keep your calm and make the days, months, and years ahead a bit less stressful.
Spoil Yourself
Binge-watch a favorite show or catch up on the Marvel movies. Order some food that may seem indulgent. Buy yourself a birthday cake. It doesn’t even have to be your birthday.
Take a bubble bath. Listen to some jazz.
Whatever your recipe for self-indulgence, go ahead and treat yourself. You’ve earned it.
Try not to overdo it. A hangover or upset stomach will not protect your calm, but taking some time to spoil yourself can help lessen the overall stress of a day.
Turn Off the News For a Bit
Look …the news these days can be pretty upsetting. That said, I also understand it can be difficult to resist checking up on the news throughout the day.
Instead, limit yourself to maybe 10 minutes in the morning and perhaps 10 in the afternoon. All you really need is just enough to keep you informed of the most important events and developments.
If something earth-shattering has just happened, someone will tell you. In the meantime, turning off the negative buzz of negative news can do you a world of good.
Reach Out To Friends and Family
Take some time to phone a friend or a family member — perhaps one who lives alone — and check in. If it’s an available option, consider a video call with Facetime, Zoom, or Skype. People like to see faces.
You don’t have to talk about current events. You can keep it light, or you can use the opportunity to let the other person unload or for you to unload. Or use the time to share good news or hopes for the future.
Make contact.
Walk Your Worries Away
While social distancing is still a thing, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go for a walk if the weather is nice enough. Avoid the more heavily-traveled streets and public spaces in favor of wide-open parks, hiking trails, or rural roads.
Even prisoners get yard time. Do you deserve any less?
Just be smart about how you go about it. If you decide to go with a friend or a group, make sure everyone is at least vaccinated.
Tidy Your Work Area
This piece of advice is aimed at your workplace — and how to make it less stressful and more productive.
Square things off on your desk. Put things away if not being used. Give surfaces a quick wipe-down — including screens and keyboards. Cleaning your workspace up a bit can be a helpful way to redirect any stress, and the resulting appearance can have a calming effect and make you feel refreshed.
It also makes it easier to find things when you need them. I don’t know about you, but digging around for what I need is a hassle I can do without.
Easy Stress Relief
These are challenging days. Stress is inevitable, but it’s something that can be dealt with. There’s nothing wrong with taking steps to protect and preserve your mental health and spiritual well-being.
Doing so is just as important as looking after your physical health and not all that difficult to accomplish.
Try these simple strategies, and see how having less stress makes you happier, more productive, and more fun to be around.
Take care.
Cheers!
About John Teehan
John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2
