Stressed Out? Try this!

Are you stressed out like me? After alternating between pacing the house and updating the interactive electoral college map for Chrome, I had to calm the heck down. There are two kinds of stress — one you can do something about and another you can’t control. The latter requires TLC, or it can take a toll. Hey, that rhymes — Stress you can’t control will take a toll.

Or you can try this:

1. Exercise.

I shut my laptop and took my Bichon, Roxy, for a walk. We opted for the longer of two routes, where I met several other stressed-out neighbors doing the same thing! I arrived home and felt a lot better. Walking produces all kinds of creative thoughts. Today, I focused on my new book. It makes me feel good to burn some calories and work my muscles. Most importantly, I removed myself from the noise of the TV and Internet.

2. Write something creative or journal your thoughts.

This is an excellent time for creative writing. It’s Nanowrimo – National Novel Writing Month, so get to it! Not a writer? Jot down your feelings in a notebook. That’s a surefire way to alleviate stress.

3. Start a project you’ve been putting off. When the fires started in the foothills, I packed up to evacuate and realized my artwork and photos are a hot mess. My flat file is waiting to be emptied and organized. The photos? Yeah, I’ll get to them someday. LOL!

4. Stay busy to burn off nervous energy. Need to rake your leaves or plant tulips? Make a menu plan? Order groceries? Make a list! It’s a rush to cross them off.

5. Prepare for the holidays. This can be a double-edged sword if they are stressing you out this year, but making a plan can help. Start by writing down all the things you have to do.

Here’s the beginning of my list of things to do:

1. Sketch Christmas card – ink it – print it – cut out parts – assemble – finish – address – stamp – mail.
2. Shop for three November birthdays
3. Shop for December birthday
4. Shop for Christmas presents
5. Clean
6. Decorate
7. Cook
8. Bake

Feel better about your list? You’re welcome.

6. What about cooking and baking? I always turn on an old movie, start a series, or watch one of my favorites, multi-task, and enjoy!

7. Sit outside for a while. A little vitamin D is good for you, and it doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

8. Take off your shoes and socks and ground yourself by sitting down barefoot. It works for me! I’ll try anything, believe me.

9. Meditate. It’s easy and doesn’t take more than a few minutes.

10. Stop negative looping. When you keep thinking about the same thing over and over, STOP. Think about three things for which you are grateful. Focus on them for a minute or two, and POOF! The cycle will break.

Hang in there. No matter what happens in life, it’s always changing. Maybe you need a lift from Ferris Bueller —

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

How are you feeling? Do you have any tips to share?