Stressed out? Then this is for you...
There was a time not very long ago when even the tiniest of work would seem and feel exhaustively herculean. I would tire out quickly, had no energy and my stress levels had rocketed sky high.
My desires to get things done were a complete mismatch to my exhausted mind, body and soul. I was trying to juggle between social life, extremely long work hours, tiring workouts at the gym, housework, endless traffic jams and a truckload of other issues - all sandwiched together every day. I literally lived from weekend to weekend often carrying forward the extra burden from weekdays to the much awaited weekends - making things worse for my entire existence.
This churning routine went on for what seemed like an eternity - until one fine day when I couldn't take it anymore and finally mustered the courage to pause everything. I just had to beat the stress in order to enjoy and be grateful towards life.
So, what exactly did I do? Here are some of the things I put into my routine to combat stress:
Most people today live a rushed life. From the time the alarm buzzes in the morning till they hit their beds felling all drained out and fatigued at night - we all survive the cliched fast-paced world but not many do much to solve the issue. There is only one realistic approach to this: SLOW DOWN.
One way of doing this is by observing things around you. No time, eh? Simply stop whatever you are doing at the moment, close your eyes and breathe in and out FIVE times. You should calm down by now. Next just walk to your nearest window OR simply look around you. Observe the sights and sounds for the next 5 minutes. Look around for peculiar details - if you are at work look at your own desk, turn to your body - observe your hands; feel your palms, carefully examine the lines on your hands and so on. There are many details we encounter every day and miss just because of our hasty nature.
Switch Off.
Technology occupies most of our time throughout the day. Not only is constant exposure to gadgets and gizmos hazardous for our physical health they also have a huge impact on our mental being acting as stress boosters. Resort to digital disconnect and you'll experience a digital detox.
Try and limit the use of technology in everyday life as much as possible. Exchange technology for something else - instead of reading online get a public library subscription and read books, quit taking notes on your mobile or laptop device and get fancy stationery to work on, instead of binge-watching Netflix plan a long drive with a friend you haven't met in a while. Find ways you can replace your e-life with that of a real experience.
Yes, you read it right.
If there is someone who annoys you - avoid getting into arguments and simply quit seeing that person. If the latter is not possible, try and mentally block the person's presence and speech. When you practice this, in the long run, you will notice that your completely mind will stop paying attention to that person.
If your boss fidgets with your mind plan an exit strategy and quit. Do NOT compromise on your peace. If the city you live in is distressing, move out as soon as you can.
If you are in a hurtful and abusing relationship. WALK OUT IMMEDIATELY. There is absolutely no compromising there as the abuser will deem you weak and treat your silence as weakness and as a signal to continue the abuse.
Certain situations might not be easy to find a solution to. But try and work your way out. Remember it is about YOU so you need to make a decision for your own self.
This is as cliche as the word cliche itself.
I never paid heed to healthy eating ever. Turkey breast croissant and a Frappuccino from Starbucks was what made my breakfast menu. I would have a wee-sized yoghurt pot for lunch and munch on anything I could get my hands on for dinner.
I despised cooking at home, skipped meals, had loads of Subway sandwiches and thought I was living a normal and healthy life.
I was completely wrong. This unhealthy routine of munching everything or anything resulted in high-stress levels, fatigue and loss of energy so much so that I had to take a break after every little-accomplished task. And because I am a workaholic I would force myself with all my might to get everything done including sleepless nights. You can only imagine what I put myself through.
Thankfully I discovered a trainer who enlightened me on healthy eating and got me back on my feet.
Whether you are religious and/or lean towards spirituality be grateful for each and everything in life.
Nothing can negate the importance of a good night's sleep. At least 6-8 hours of rest each night is necessary for your body to burn calories, revive and refresh your mind, senses and your entire being in general.
Purchase a fancy daily planner, planner stickers and coloured pens and plan things ahead of time. Be punctual to avoid any delays and learn to prioritise things according to their importance on that particular day.
It's OKAY to not complete everything on your list on a certain day. You can carry it forward to the next but remember to not create a backlog of items you might stress about in future.
Your future self will thank you for this.
So, what exactly did I do? Here are some of the things I put into my routine to combat stress:
1. SLOW DOWN:
Observe.
One way of doing this is by observing things around you. No time, eh? Simply stop whatever you are doing at the moment, close your eyes and breathe in and out FIVE times. You should calm down by now. Next just walk to your nearest window OR simply look around you. Observe the sights and sounds for the next 5 minutes. Look around for peculiar details - if you are at work look at your own desk, turn to your body - observe your hands; feel your palms, carefully examine the lines on your hands and so on. There are many details we encounter every day and miss just because of our hasty nature.
Switch Off.
Try and limit the use of technology in everyday life as much as possible. Exchange technology for something else - instead of reading online get a public library subscription and read books, quit taking notes on your mobile or laptop device and get fancy stationery to work on, instead of binge-watching Netflix plan a long drive with a friend you haven't met in a while. Find ways you can replace your e-life with that of a real experience.
2. GULP THOSE GALLONS DOWN:
I know you heard this one several times. But there is no escaping water. Book an appointment with your GP and get your hydration levels checked. If results show you're dehydrated get fancy bottles and gulp at least 5-6 of those in a day depending on your body's needs.
I increased my water intake over the past year and experienced a great deal of change in stress, my ability to focus and overall health.
3. MOVE AWAY FROM THINGS THAT HURT YOUR MENTAL PEACE
If there is someone who annoys you - avoid getting into arguments and simply quit seeing that person. If the latter is not possible, try and mentally block the person's presence and speech. When you practice this, in the long run, you will notice that your completely mind will stop paying attention to that person.
If your boss fidgets with your mind plan an exit strategy and quit. Do NOT compromise on your peace. If the city you live in is distressing, move out as soon as you can.
If you are in a hurtful and abusing relationship. WALK OUT IMMEDIATELY. There is absolutely no compromising there as the abuser will deem you weak and treat your silence as weakness and as a signal to continue the abuse.
Certain situations might not be easy to find a solution to. But try and work your way out. Remember it is about YOU so you need to make a decision for your own self.
4. EAT HEALTHY
I never paid heed to healthy eating ever. Turkey breast croissant and a Frappuccino from Starbucks was what made my breakfast menu. I would have a wee-sized yoghurt pot for lunch and munch on anything I could get my hands on for dinner.
I despised cooking at home, skipped meals, had loads of Subway sandwiches and thought I was living a normal and healthy life.
I was completely wrong. This unhealthy routine of munching everything or anything resulted in high-stress levels, fatigue and loss of energy so much so that I had to take a break after every little-accomplished task. And because I am a workaholic I would force myself with all my might to get everything done including sleepless nights. You can only imagine what I put myself through.
Thankfully I discovered a trainer who enlightened me on healthy eating and got me back on my feet.
5. SWEAT THE STRESS OUT ALBEIT THE RIGHT WAY
In simple terms, get a personal trainer.
As expensive as this may sound - it's worth every single penny. Working out on your own will only take you this far. But getting a personal trainer who would monitor your health, BP, stress, sleep and your exercise routine is the perfect fit for your stressful life.
A mere gym membership doesn't certify the exercises you do sans guidance - how do you know they are doing any good for you and are they even meant for you (and your body type)?
When you sweat the stress out in the right fashion you discover your mental and physical strengths, sleep better, become productive, are energised and attain a happier life.
Also, let's not forget the beautiful physique resulting from all that workout.
6. DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY & OFTEN
Make time for yourself. Revive old hobbies. Like reading a book? Plan a few hours at your local library or bookstore, pick a good read and treat yourself with a good find.
Enjoy colours? Order an adult colouring/ painting book and take time filling in the intricate patterns.
Love photography? Google search for a scenic place you haven't visited in your city. Grab your phone/ camera and get clicking.
7. BE GRATEFUL.
Whenever you feel stressed and bad for the life you are living look at things around you- The mobile device in your hands, the water bottle lying around, a roof above your head, your eyes with which you can see the world - you have way more than you can be thankful for.
Being grateful helps slow you down, dissolves stress and brings about a feeling of satisfaction.
8. HAVE A BI-MONTHLY DIY SPA/ RELAXATION DAY
Once or twice a month devise a spa day. The next time you are on a shopping spree pick up some aromatherapy products, good quality shampoos and body washes, a face mask, a hair mask and a good movie to watch.
During your next weekend home, book a day to yourself and your purchases for a relaxing spa day. Do this once a while but not too often as you don't want your mind to get used to it and neglect its importance in the long run.
More on having a DIY spa day coming soon. Watch this space for more.
9. SLEEP WELL
Having a poor sleep routine, in the long run, can result in insomnia, fatigue during the day, poor performance, skin issues, deficiencies and so much more.
Your body then tends to crave caffeine in the form of coffee and tea during the day which worsens your sleep cycle.
10. PLAN
Purchase a fancy daily planner, planner stickers and coloured pens and plan things ahead of time. Be punctual to avoid any delays and learn to prioritise things according to their importance on that particular day.
It's OKAY to not complete everything on your list on a certain day. You can carry it forward to the next but remember to not create a backlog of items you might stress about in future.
Your future self will thank you for this.
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