Let’s talk about stress baby. Every working Bossfidence Babe knows the absolute struggle that is STRESS. It makes you pull your hair out, drink a bottle of wine and binge on your favorite comfort foods. However, there are ways we can manage this stress, here are 10 stress management hacks.
WWOPD: What Would Olivia Pope Do?
1 | Get Jiggy Wit’ It
The most fun way to get rid of stress is to shake it out. I am not talking just a mindless jiggling of your body but busting a move. Weather you need to take a 5 minute bathroom break to just find yourself in the beat of the music
2 | Journaling and Keep a Planner
Bossfidence Contributor, Hillary Montijo wrote an amazing article about the benefits of journaling. I used to not be a “journaler” but it gives me an opportunity to download my thoughts, address what might be bothering me and even organize some inspiration. Keeping a planner has been my personal Godsend. There is no better way than putting pen to paper to remember and manage your schedule and time. Lack of time management is the number one cause of stress in adults. By maintaining a planner, you are allowing yourself to not only schedule work activities, but you can schedule in a 10 minute YOU break.
3 | Soak It Up
Rub a dub dub, in the tub. There is something about a solid bubble bath that can take any day from high intensity to slow and savory. I love throwing in a Lush bath bomb with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into a bath on days when I am feeling extra stressed. Not only will it give you all the “ahhs”, studies show that a hot bath can help you sleep better and we all know there is nothing better to soothe that stress than a good nights sleep.
Be at peace, not in pieces.
4 | Treat Yo’ Self
If you want to eat a burger, eat a burger. While comfort food isn’t the best way to manage stress and if done too often can lead to weight gain, acne, lethargy, etc., sometimes you just gotta eat some Pizza to deal with life. Don’t be afraid to indulge in some of your most sinful favorites!
5 | De-Caffinate
Studies show that coffee elevates stress hormones and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, caffeine interferes with GABA (a neurotransmitter naturally in the body that plays an important role in mood and stress management) metabolism, increased stress, caffeine and coffee drinking suppresses the immune system and increased stress and caffeine interfere with sleep (via teeccino.com) By cutting back on the caffeine whether soda or coffee can immensely help with your stress management. If energy is your crutch for your caffeine intake, try naturally booting your energy through B-12!
6 | Nama-stress away
Yoga is a mind body practice that comes in many styles, forms and intensities (find one that works for you). My personal favorite is Bikram yoga because I love sweating out my stress. There is nothing better than getting out of my own head to focus on me, my inner and outer strength and dedication.
I bend so I don’t break.
7 | Drop It Like A Squat
When in doubt, sweat it out. I have started a relatively intense gym routine where I can work out my day by hitting the weights, doing interval cardio, HIIT and cross training. Not only have I noticed that my overall stress is depleted after a solid gym session, but my booty is definitely thanking me! If you’re looking for an amazing fitness program, I highly recommend the Saje Cox Fitness Challenge; it is $19.99 per month and she gives you 5 workouts per week that are uploaded to Facebook that can be done in the gym or at home!
8 | Commute Meditation
I absolutely love all the mindful breathing that Laura Lee Stjernstrom does on her Facebook lives! She even made one specifically for you Bossfidence Babes that will help you unwind during your commute.
9 | Read
There is nothing better than diving deep into a good book; I am a total murder mystery, haunting and vampire romance book reader. I might be 26 but my reading taste can be 16 sometimes. However, I enjoy the fact that i completely displace myself from reality and introduce myself into a fantasy. Even if reading isn’t your thing, download an Audible book to listen to during your commute, right before bed, or even during that lovely bath.
book (n.) portable sanctuary
10 | Wine
When in doubt, a glass of wine is your answer (no I am not promoting the NEED for an alcoholic beverage). Wine has reservatrol (which is found in grapes and cacao beans) stimulates a specific stress-response protein, PARP-1, which then activates a number of genes that repair DNA, suppress tumor genes, and promote longevity genes. Researchers have found that small doses of reseveratrol can help your body deal better with stress! I will shamelessly drink my glass of Pinot Noir now.
(note: do not imbibe in alcohol as a stress reliever if you are prone to addiction, addictive behaviors or have alcoholism in your family; consult with a physician if you feel that you are consuming too much alcohol and feel it is negatively impacting your life)
What a clever way to deliver these tips, I really chuckled at a few of the taglines! I have a problem with my stress management and have been trying to get in a good rhythm with techniques to help. I’ve been reading Imagine Harmony by Dale Duvall and it’s been by far the best resource for me. It’s so in depth and his techniques are so good, my favorites are diet and the meditation factors. Those have made the biggest difference for me!