Saturday, August 19, 2017

What I do when it all gets to be too much

You can fill in your own blanks about what "too much" is, but for me, right now, it's all of the anger/fighting/terrorism, as well as the way people treat each other "online", behind their anonymous names. I'm not going to talk about any of that (this is a safe space :)), but it has been getting me down, & making me feel helpless. So, here's my approach to how I handle situations like this.


  1. I go outside. Sunshine is good for the soul.
  2. I work out. The endorphins are also good for you. Bonus points if you can combine #1 & #2. Also, at least one day a week, I try to work out until exhaustion, vs just a quick go at it.
  3. I talk to my friends. Either via text, email, or even better. . . in person.
  4. I plan a fun event. Right now, I have two exciting things on the calendar. My family relay is next weekend, & then I have a trip to Hawaii in October with M. Sometimes I just need a few minutes to do some fun planning about my events, or just think about the activities.
  5. I cook. Or bake. And get organized. A feeling of helplessness on world events pushes me to want to have more control over our family life. This week, that's translated into: making chicken broth, two batches of granola bars, & breakfast burritos. And, the day is young. :-) I'll report back on any big recipe wins.
  6. I do yoga, or deep breathing.
  7. Probably obvious, but I don't touch any social media or news. I take a media break. 
  8. I try to eat well (lots for fresh fruit/vegetables). Combined with a glass or two of wine on weekend evenings.
  9. I do something kind for others, as often as the opportunities present themselves. Small things are great! Not everything has to be a huge, meaningful thing. A few examples from the past few weeks: made a conscious effort to smile at strangers, visited a neighbor who lost her spouse, offered a ride to my friend's son when I knew her schedule was crazy, donated extra school supplies when I found bonus stuff in our house, brought in extra yard produce to my coworkers, and treated my nephew to concert tickets that he really wanted but couldn't afford for his birthday. Doing these things remind me of how it feels to help/give, and also hopefully gives someone else just a small positive boost in their day as well.
  10. I hug my kids. And husband. Even when they are annoying me, frustrating me, and I feel stressed out by the world. I'm doing my best to raise kind & thoughtful kiddos. Hugs are never out of place, and remind them that we love them. Even when they've spilled all of their breakfast on the floor while I'm my way out the door. ;-) 
I'd love to hear how you deal with everything, and your methods for dealing with stressful situations. Please share!

11 comments:

  1. Love this post and your ideas! Perfect for the stress of the country/world's current climate!

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  2. We watch a funny movie together as a family, go for a nice walk and I clean. Laughing until you have tears always gets me back to a good place, walking in nature is very soothing and cleaning helps make my area more calming and more in control.
    Laurie

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    1. I've also been watching funny shows, so that's a great addition! Totally agree with walking in nature. It really does soothe the soul.

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  3. Agree that is important to 'check out' and focus on what brings you peace and tranquility. Effect change where you can, as I do believe it is imperative we all use our voices now more than ever, but otherwise keep your focus on the things that give you joy.

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    1. Totally agree with both points. It's exhausting these days, and I need to recharge so I can continue to use my voice.

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  4. This is a great list. My go-to stress reliever lately has been hiking a 4-mile Trail at a state park near me, with my husband, as many as 3 to 5 days a week. (I am actually prepping for a Boy Scout backpacking trip in September!)

    Heather near Atlanta

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    1. You are my hero - that's a lot of great walking, and kudos to you for chaperoning a Boy Scout backpacking trip! As the mother of a Boy Scout, it is very much appreciated.

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  5. Great post. I'm at my whit's end, but can't tune it our completely. Instead, I put energy where I can, and like you, try an hug and appreciate my family more.

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    1. It's really hard. Some days I'm able to convince myself that making a difference in my own world is all that I can do, and that it really matters. Other days, it's clear that larger solutions are required, & I just feel really helpless. Hugs to you. Stay strong.

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  6. Seamus gets extra walks when I just can't take it anymore. And when I don't have brainspace for today's terrible things, because every day brings with it at least one if not three terrible things in politics, I have the reno to worry about so it pushes most of those thoughts right out of my head.

    Once we're settled in, I think that'll be replaced with a seemingly endless to do list around the "new" (to us) place and continuing to work on shoring up our financial position. That keeps me busy enough to take a bit of a break from the world being terrible.

    I also make sure to drop a letter or note in the mail to a friend who might be having a tough time. There are plenty of us out there!

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