Tuesday, August 2, 2016

6 Easy Ways to De-Stress


{top and pants: Beach House Sport c/o *ON SALE! (top also here (and also in full length here) // headphones: Sudio Swedenn c/o // sunglasses: Saint Laurent (also here) // trainers: Nike (also here/here/here) // phone case: Case Cavern *Use code: JENNIFER15 for 15% off your purchase! // earrings: Bling Jewelry c/o}

I've never shared it on the blog before, but I've battled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. It's especially gotten worse after I had my first daughter, Courtney. I would take medicine here and there to calm myself down, but it always ended up making me feel crappy. Earlier this year I knew I had to start doing things to help myself naturally, and as cliche or silly as they may sound, they have worked for me. Now, I'm not saying that these things have totally erased any anxiety I may ever have, because I still get it from time to time, but I do find myself getting less anxious and less stressed since adopting these steps. They've also helped me better manage it all.

1.) Controlled breathing, meditation, prayer. This is something I've struggled with for awhile. At first I would just laugh and say, "Really?! Taking deep breaths is really going to erase all of my stress and anxiety?! YEAH RIGHT!" But when I actually sit in a quiet place in my house (which can be difficult sometimes with kids), and I concentrate on my breathing it really helps to calm me down and get my mind focused on other things. I've also found this to be a good time for prayer. It brings me peace.

2.) Natural & Organic Herbs & Oils. For about 5 months now I've been using Georgia May Skincare (a full review post is coming soon!) -- which is made from natural and organic oils. I've found them to not only calm my skin, but calm my mind. I look forward to using them every morning and night and it's almost like a therapeutic process for me. I love breathing in their scents and I instantly feel like they calm my mind and put me at ease. I even add oils, such as lavender and eucalyptus to my baths, and I also make my own "sleepy-time" tea with lavender, honey and lemon. It's instantly soothing.

3.) Exercise. This is another one that's always been said, but it really does work for me. However, I will say that actually getting out of the house -- whether it's a quick walk or jog around my neighborhood or actually visiting my gym -- is what works the best for me. It's getting out of the house and getting my mind focused on something else  -- basically "out of sight out of mind" -- because I'm mainly stressing about work (whether it's house-hold chores, the blog, or my part-time job that I also balance at home). My favorite type of work-out is Pilates and/or Yoga. I love engaging my core, stretching, and concentrating on my breathing. It's so relaxing for me and makes me feel good emotionally and physically. Working out also releases endorphins which naturally produce positive feelings in the body.

4.) Cooking and Cleaning. Now hear me out, y'all. I know these seem more like "chores", but they're actually tasks that help to ease my mind and when I"m done they give me the feeling of accomplishment (and nourishment). It's not just the act of cooking or cleaning that helps relieve my stress and anxiety -- it's actually the entire thought process that helps me -- actually focusing on something other than my stressors. When it comes to cooking, it's more than just walking into the kitchen and cooking-up a meal. First I like to get on Pinterest and browse recipes that catch my eye and ones that look delicious. Then it's making up my grocery list, heading to the store for special ingredients (again, leaving the house for some much needed fresh air), and then coming home to cook it all up. I tend to choose recipes that are on the healthy, but filling side, and also ones that of course taste good. I also love to choose recipes that don't take too long to make, because no one wants to be slaving in the kitchen for hours. When I'm done I not only feel accomplished, but I'm rewarded (and so is my family) with a good, healthy meal. And then there's cleaning. Trust me, I HATE TO CLEAN, but it helps distract me and when I'm all done it actually feels like a small weight is lifted off of my shoulders. A cluttered, disorganized house makes my stress worse, so I'm always trying to stay on top of cleaning. I'm constantly juggling things -- the girls, work, the house etc. so when the house is clean and organized I feel SO good. 

5.) Using a planner. Now I know this may also seem silly, since many of use already use apps on our phones and computers for this -- but if you're ever feeling stressed with your long "To Do" list then I highly recommend getting a planner -- and a fun one at that! I have this cute one by Spartina449 (you may recognize it from my IG recently HERE). Not only is it pretty to look at, but it has so many useful tabs to keep everything in it's place. Actually writing out my tasks and projects and checking them off by hand eases my stress. I can highlight or use fun stickers to mark the things that are most important and I can check them off when I'm done. I can plan and schedule our trips, appointments -- basically anything important going in our lives and it's all in one place. I don't know about y'all, but sometimes the old-school methods work better than our technical devices. PLUS, being a blogger already means that I'm ALWAYS on my phone and my laptop, so to take a break from it (a much needed one at that) and jot things down in pen just naturally feels better.

6.) Reading a good book or blasting my favorite song(s). I used to read ALL THE TIME, but these days I just feel like I don't have the time. When I actually make time to read a book, it's so relaxing. I curl up on my bed in comfy clothes, I light a sweet-smelling candle (I love anything lavender or with mint), and I get lost in a good book. Fun/Interesting fact about me: I studied Criminology in college, so my fave reads are True Crime.
Music has always been therapeutic for me. Certain songs take me back to memories in my life and it may sound sappy, but whenever I listen to an album, that I loved listening to while growing up, it's almost nostalgic for me. Sometimes it even brings me to tears - but happy tears. Music just moves me and makes me feel good. It can instantly get me out of my funk.

So, what do y'all think about my steps? Do you battle with stress and anxiety? I would love to know the ways you help manage it. Please feel free to leave a comment below and thanks for reading! xx

9 comments:

  1. Oh wow!! Jen, you're looking so fit, truly in the best shape of your life! I've been following you for years and the progress in how you look and feel like in your own skin is truly so inspiring and has only grown a lot throughout the years! :)

    Cooking and exercising are my favourite ways to chill down/ de-stress too. :)

    http://www.lartoffashion.com/2016/08/01/pepsi-girl/

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  2. looking (and sounding) amazing! http://www.the-beautiful-things.com/

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  3. Loved the advice definitely trying a couple of these things! And how amazing you look! Keep it on doll! <3 xxx
    Newest post on the blog: http://remisabbah.com/blog/
    Follow @remisabbah on Instagram

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  4. You look amazing! Some really great tips and ideas, it is really important to have a bit of chill time every now and then!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

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  5. Wow! Jennifer, your body is incredible! What an inspiration you are! Loved your tips and I adore your work-out clothes!!
    I hope your day is as beautiful as you are!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  6. These are such great tips! You look amazing, Jennifer! Love your workout look.

    xO - Steph
    www.urbanblonde.com

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  7. Great tips and body figure!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

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  8. omg you are so amazing! love you so much!

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I love reading your comments! Thanks for leaving me some love! (:

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