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Overstressed anyone?
I don’t know about you, but I live a fast paced life and the only thing I want to do on the weekends is hang out with my kids and enjoy the day without worrying about my next deadline or housework. I’ve been finding between work, kids and being a new business owner it is difficult to avoid stress and overwhelm, especially with how home/work lives blend together these days. It’s challenging to disconnect from work while at home and from home matters while at work. Stress can be constant. We forget that sometimes it's ok to sit down and do nothing. I know for me personally it is hard. I am always trying to find something I can work on business wise, help my kids with or something in the house that needs cleaning . I mean, sitting still has never been my forte. I had to teach myself that sometimes it is ok to sit back and do absolutely nothing.
Constantly Plugged In
I mean, it’s great having my work email easily accessible from my phone for an emergency but when is it time to put work away and just enjoy the moment? Constantly being plugged in whether it is work, school, leading a social life and pursuing goals can negatively affect health, happiness, productivity. Half the time we aren’t even aware it’s happening until the burn is too much to handle. In order to lead a better life sometimes, we have to learn to just sit back and do...Nothing
It sounds a bit crazy I know, but hear me out.
I learned this the hard way. I was 27 working two jobs, toddler in tow, an unbalanced unhappy relationship, the works, and it took me down. I ended up in the hospital in the most excruciating pain of my life, and I’ve had two kids. I did more than just burn out. My body was burning out on me too. Since then I have learned how to take a step back when it is necessary and destress. I learned staying busy all day was not making me any happier. Balance makes me happy, as it should. If you are also feeling stressed and overwhelmed here are the key steps that helped me to create balance in my life and handle burnout and stress in a healthier manner, leading me to a happier life.
Device Detox
Put the devices down! I know it isn't always possible for us to put our devices down all day, (as someone who worked in social media for a living I more than understand)but breaks are in order. It can be hard to turn social media and work emails off after hours, especially if you work from home but the break is necessary for your mental health. Some of the great benefits include reducing stress and:
Recharging your brain (sometimes even your brain needs a reset)
Improved sleep quality
Better physical health
Improved relationships
Reduced depression and anxiety
How do you work this into your day?
Make it easy!
It's easier to work device free time into your daily routine than it is to try to go extended periods without it, especially if you're a remote worker. I advice my clients to choose not to reach for their phones first thing in the morning and an hour or two before bed. Your mornings are the perfect time to create a calm and peace within yourself before the day truly begins. Night time is also when your body needs to begin calming down. It is a fact that the blue light in cellphones prevents us from creating melatonin (this hormone controls your sleep cycle aka. your circadian rhythm). Which means a cellphone might be the reason why you're having a hard time falling asleep at night.
Meditation
One of my favorite tools I use in my daily life to destress is meditation. It is one of the greatest things I have found that can help me calm down, relax and get out of my own head. For more about the benefits of meditation read my blog "5 Benefits of Morning Meditation" meditation can be done from almost anywhere, anytime. If you've never meditated before try meditating after your morning shower. Your body will be relaxed and it will be easier to reach a meditative state and clear your mind. Begin with one minute and increase it by a minute everyday until you've reached a good time that fits into your daily routine.
Improve Your Time Management
Time is something we all want. Yet it always feels like there is never enough of it. In order to keep stress low you have to make sure you are managing your time. Often times we pack way too much into our schedules and begin to fall behind. This can often lead to stress, anxiety and procrastination. There are ways to improve your time management skills. Creating a schedule is a great way to block out your time and make sure you are staying on tasks. Make sure to add in breaks to avoid burnout from overworking. Delegate tasks if you have a team or someone that can help. Sometimes it's ok to have to ask grandma or grandpa if they can help out a day or two. We have all been there and it is better to make your mental health a priority then blow up. There are many techniques that can be used that you can read about here.
Self Care Time
Self care is one of the most important factors in maintaining a mentally and physically healthy life. People who put self care first have a lower risk of illness, increased energy, better stress management, increased self confidence, increased self esteem and more.
Self care doesn't always mean you have to take a bath with wine and a bath bomb, although that is a favorite of mine. Self care comes in many forms for many people and is about being both mentally and physically healthy. Regular sleep and exercise help to maintain proper hormone levels and help to keep energy up. To practice mental self care begin focusing on the positive things that are happening in your life. Life has it's ebbs and flows and is imperfect just like we are. Make sure to celebrate your little wins throughout the day. As a daily practice I write down ten things I am grateful for each day. Whenever you begin feeling overwhelmed center yourself and count your blessings in your head. This mindset trick alone has helped many.
If this sounds like you I can guide you back to peace. It is my goal to help you create the type of life you dream of. Feel free to reach out to me anytime.
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Love and light,
Andrea Zavala
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