We all have those moments when people are asking too much of us, we're spread too thin, and we feel as though we're failing in all areas. How do we deal with it? Of course there are healthy alternatives as well as unhealthy ones, but most of them seem ineffective. From someone that deals with stress and anxiety regularly, it's hard to find effective ways. But here are my top 5 ways that will at least change your mindset and help you deal with your issues with a level head.
1. Pray
First and foremost this must be done. Don't pray that your problems will go away, don't pray that solutions will come. Speak out and proclaim that the God who sent His only Son to die is bigger than anything you can be facing. Declare that He will come through...and then wait. Patience is one of the hardest parts about praying.
2. Do something mindless
Find something that doesn't take any energy whether that's watching Netflix, doing a word search, yoga, or cooking food. Allow your mind to be set on something else but don't let it be something that requires a bunch of thought or preparation. Simply sidetrack your mind to a place of temporary distraction. (Disclaimer: please limit this or you'll feel worse after wasting so much time).
3. Run
Any type of exercise will elevate your heart rate and cause your body to release endorphins that will make you feel better. This will, if nothing else, leave you feeling like you improved your fitness even the slightest. Elle Woods in the movie Legally Blonde said it best.
4. Clean
This is one of my favorites. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I begin frantically cleaning. It's a good way to feel like I am improving my situation by cleaning the environment around me. It's simply tricking my mind, but it's a way to be productive and deal with anxiety at the same time.
5. Talk it out
Find people who are good listeners. It's okay to express your emotions and talk about what's on your mind. But choose people that will help you overcome your obstacles, not hold you in the same needy and helpless place.
These tips don't prevent stress nor do they fix your circumstances, but taking care of yourself and not allowing your situations to overwhelm you is the best way to handle them. Don't let your worries dictate how you feel, find what self-care strategies work and USE THEM.
