Chronic, daily stress is beating you up! And then you come home to more problems and work to finish.
There really is no getting around it. We all have stress in our lives. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a negative. Stress can increase your productivity, motivate you to move forward and heighten your senses. It becomes a problem when it turns into distress or overwhelm.
How you perceive everyday situations and experiences determines your level of stress. If you feel overwhelmed at least half or most of the time, it will manifest in physical symptoms in your body. Your body will put out SOS signals with signs of headaches, backaches, gastrointestinal upset, high blood pressure and fatigue, just to name a few.
One of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to alleviate this chronic stress is to have a stress-free zone in your home. This is a place where you can go everyday to relax and release the days stress and worries. You can even start your day there to begin in a place of calm.
You do not have to have a big space but you do need to claim it as your own, at least while you’re in it. It can be a chair set-up with a comfy pillow or warm blanket, a big pillow on the floor in a corner, the bathtub (with the door locked), a separate room if you’re lucky enough to have an extra room, a bench on the porch, lounge on the deck or any space that fits your needs.
The goal is to make it fit your relaxation needs. Here are some things you may want to add:
- music
- pillows and blanket
- aromatherapy by candle or essential oils
- meditation CD’s or MP3’s
- flowers
- soaking your feet or hands in warm Epsom salt bath
- sipping tea
- journaling either your thoughts or gratitude
- artwork, needlework, craftwork
- small, nutritious snack, such as handful of nuts
- cool, fruit-infused water
- scalp massager- effective, inexpensive tool
- nature sounds app
- soft lighting
- green plants
You only need about 15 minutes in your stress-free zone to gain the benefits. If you can stay longer, that’s great, but you will still receive the relaxation response in the shorter time. But here’s the important part- no cell phones, laptops, iPads or work. And if you don’t live alone, tell your family members that when you are in your stress-free zone, you are not available.
I realize this is a big stretch for single parents. I know… I was one. The kids do eventually get old enough to fend for themselves for 15 minutes. Train them well. You will be a better parent after that calm down time.
And remember, it only has to be a small space. Claim your space and your time. You’re worth it!