Taking a Time-Out for Yourself!
Regain Your Peace in Stressful Situations
By Guest Author, Paisley Hansen
Life can get hectic, and stressful events can pop-up at every corner everywhere you turn. So how does one find peace during these stressful life events?
Some say yoga or meditation can help while others find peace in a recreational activity they enjoy, such as golf or baseball.
The point is to find a way to remain peaceful and to find solace even during stressful life events. This is vital because if you don’t, the stress will build-up and, over time, can have devastating health effects – both physically and emotionally.
The following are some ways that I find peace during stressful life situations. Perhaps they will help you as well.
Taking a Time Out
Sometimes when life just gets too stressful, you need to know when it’s time for you to take a “time out” for yourself.
So, whenever you begin to feel stress building-up, don’t be afraid to take a moment to walk away, take a deep breath, and calm down.
It’s essential to learn your stress levels and know when it’s time for you to take a break and give yourself a bit of time to unwind before the stress can turn into something bigger – full-on anxiety.
Going for a Walk, Run or Bike Ride
Going for a walk, run or a bike ride can help relax your mind by releasing endorphins that make you feel better, and more at peace.
It also gives you time alone to clear your head.
Doing these activities also gets your heart pumping and the blood moving throughout your body, making you feel better and more at ease.
Furthermore, studies prove that exercise and any type of physical activity can release stress significantly and is a healthy outlet for your anxiety.
Catch Up on Some Sleep
Believe it or not, sometimes when your feeling stressed a large part of the reason is that your body is deprived of sleep and you simply need more rest.
When your body is sleep-deprived, you feel more irritable and are more likely to exhibit feelings of stress and anxiety.
Take time out of your day (even just five minutes) to grab a nap. Studies have shown that even a few moments of rest can improve your mood.
Most importantly, however, is to allow yourself a full nights rest, especially if you have a busy life. In fact, make it a priority! If you make sleep a priority, you are more likely to get rid of that stress and feel more composed. For more on getting a full nights rest, check out, “Are You Getting A Good Night’s Sleep?“
Learn When to Say, “No”
It is so easy to feel overworked and stressed because you are doing too much. And what can make things worse is when you find that you are committing yourself to things when you should really say “no”.
Learning to say, “No” and being able to admit to yourself (and others) that you need time for yourself can significantly reduce the amount of stress in your life. That is, of course, as long as you don’t feel guilty. But think of it this way,
By putting yourself first and making your time a commodity rather than lending it out to everyone else, allows you to recharge to feel more energized.
And this, in fact, can enable you to be of more help to those you love if you so choose. So let go of the guilt!
Although the stressors of life can be challenging at times, by learning that simple things like deep breathing, going for a walk, saying, No”, and most vitally, taking time out for yourself can significantly reduce your stress level and improves the over the feeling of well-being.
And once that you feel rejuvenated, you will be ready to take on the world!