Why stress isn't a bad thing 😅

Have you ever wondered, "What am I doing with my life?" (like constantly, right—just me??)? Yesterday, while doom-scrolling on Instagram, waiting for an epiphany, I stumbled on an idea for today's newsletter. 

April is Stress Awareness Month, and it got me thinking: stress isn't always the enemy. Sure, it can nudge us into action (hello, last-minute project crunch), but it can also lead us down unhealthy paths (cue the Netflix/wine/ice cream binge - which sounds like the perfect Friday night, but honey, let's not do this on a Monday morning). 😉

Instead of diving into a lengthy explanation of stress (otherwise, you'll hit the delete button, so please stick with me), let's focus on what we can control. Stress is a flashing neon sign highlighting what needs fixing. So here are a few things I do with a list of more ideas. 

I take myself out of the situation and look at it in the big picture. So if my social post got a few likes, I'm like, OK, so I've done over a thousand posts, and this is just one of them, so keep learning. If I didn't get the job I wanted, OK, it wasn't meant to be, and others are waiting to be next, so keep searching. 

A little deal vs. big deal mindset is also a great one. Will this still bother you in 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days, or 5 years? If you're saying no, then honey, LET IT GO. The point is that you just can't stop and throw up your hands like you did as a toddler until someone comes to pick you up and make you feel better. It's on you now, gf! And you can totally do this!

Do the self-talk. Come up with a few lines you'd say to yourself when you feel like stress is taking over, like: "You can do this, you can do anything, what's the first step?" And then go. Stop sitting there overthinking and take action. 

So, how do we navigate stress without losing our cool? Here's the scoop: (I like to think of it in before, during, and after steps)

1. Plan ahead: Anticipate potential triggers and prepare. How can you change your daily routine to help reduce stress? 

2. Practice your responses: Breathe. Take a break. Go workout. What can you do when you're in the middle of it to help release the tension? 

3. Identify what worked and didn't: How could you have reacted better? Did your response work or not? Ensure you're focusing on only what you can control, and LET THAT OTHER STUFF GO and move on.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don't sweat it (pun not intended - go work out!). I've compiled a handy list of stress-busting strategies for you to explore. Take a peek, find what resonates, and create your personalized stress management toolkit.

Here's a list of stress-relief techniques to consider:

1. Reframe. Sitting in traffic? Listen to a podcast. Did someone be rude to you? Just think about what's going on in their lives. Keep situations in perspective.

2. Workout: Move your body to help release tension and boost your mood. SWEAT IT OUT. Go running, take a gym class, or bike with Peloton. Get outside and BREATHE. Walk around the block for 15 minutes. Bonus points if you live by a beach. 

3. Beverages: Limit caffeine & sugar (and booze). They worsen it. Try Poppi.

4. Music: Curate a collection of your fav tunes that take you to your happy place and SHAKE IT OFF (every good newsletter must have a Taylor reference—btw, are they engaged??). 

5. Create: Grab your kids colored pencils, markers, or paints, and let your creativity flow. 

6. Aromatherapy: Light the candle and spritz the essential oils.

7. Journal: Write it out. Put your hand physically on a pen and paper (don't ask why, but something about some hand/head connection that's more powerful than typing). Plus, writing makes you give it vocabulary, like you have to explain how you're feeling to someone. 

8. Read: Grab a highlighter and an inspirational self-help book. Learning reduces stress (there must be a study that proves it). DM me for book recommendations. 

9. Laugh: Watch a funny movie, listen to a comedy podcast, or recall hilarious moments with friends. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

10. Connect with your girlfriends: DM ME!

Self-care is a must as you navigate the stresses of life with action and confidence. The key is not to wait until you are knee-deep in it 💩! Start to add these things into your daily routine, and I promise you or your money back that you'll feel better!

Remember, it's not just about avoiding stress but how we respond to it. Take note of what works (and doesn't), and use each as a learning.

Let's tackle stress together, one mindful breath at a time (go ahead, take a deep breath right now). Share your go-to stress-relief techniques with me and support each other on this journey.

I'd like to ask you for a favor to help manage my stress. If you know someone who could use a dose of taking action confidence-busting wisdom, why not pass this newsletter along? I am looking for a company or women's group to speak with, and together, we can spread a little confidence in a stressful world. Please check out my website for more! Thank you! 🙋🏼‍♀️

Love you. Gotta go. Bye.

xoxo

Tamara