Stress: Home Remedies

So, I need to be done talking about stress. I've been so focused on stress in these blogs that I've had no escape from it in reality. It's like having a cold that just won't go away: I just need to go to the doctor and get the medicine and be done with it. So that's what we're going to do. But before I share with you the Doctor's Orders, I'd love to let you in on some home remedies for Stressitis.

The first thing you can do to overcome this ailment is avoid getting sick. Don't overbook yourself. Get stuff done immediately, and DON'T PROCRASTINATE. Focus on getting the important thins done and save the fun stuff for when you have time. Keep well rested, and try to avoid getting yourself into things that drain your emotional, mental, or physical energy. 

So, let's say you're already past that point. You've overbooked, or you're overworked, or you have a bunch of things to do and have no idea how you'll find time to do it all. Here are some of the ways I've been taught to survive and thrive in times of stress:

1) Do everything you would do to avoid stress. (Don't procrastinate, don't put more on your plate)

2) Prioritize. What's due first? What's the most important? What will take the longest? Get these things started first.

3) Split it up. Split your work into smaller sections and accomplish each of these throughout the day or the time you have. It doesn't always work to just push through. Take breaks.

4) Limit distractions. Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, texting, etc. are the worst enemies of productivity. Don't try to do both at the same time. It helps me to do work in a "work place" like the library or classroom so I get in to a work mentality.

5) Do something fun. Stress often comes because we have a LOT to do. It can help to take your mind off of the stuff you need to et done and do something that helps remove stress. Go for a jog, play piano, color, lift, go for a drive, talk with friends, etc. Careful: Use these things as ways to limit stress and not cause more.

6) SLEEP. Don't neglect sleep, it just makes us more susceptible to stress. 

But lately I've needed a lot more than a simple home remedy. Like with this cold I'm still battling, I need to swallow my pride and seek out a doctor. In the case of my cold that probably means visiting a clinic (bleh). As for my stress issue, that means seeking out the one who knows my mental state better than any other: Jesus Christ. Tune in tomorrow and I'll fill you in on how that goes and what He prescribes. Maybe it will help you, too.

Until then, 

Best of luck in the real world and God Bless,

-XTopher