Overcoming - Stress #6
Lately, I have learned the importance of time for myself. We like to call it "Self Love," right? For me, this has traumatically helped me balance my time between Myself and the rest of my life. Including this meant I'd have to add more to my already full daily routine. It meant to add these things, I'd have to fill up the empty space in the day that I had left over. I used to call this my "downtime". This was the space that was between work and going to bed. At the time, I used to just watch television or sit around on my phone. Like I always say, everyone has to have their own "ah-ha" moment. A little while ago, I noticed my anxiety was high, and my mind just never stopped. All the disappointment or worry from all the current stress factors took over. Even at night. I noticed then even if I woke up to just simply go to the bathroom, I would catch myself thinking again and end up awake for longer than expected. Gratefully for me, when I did notice this pattern, I became aware of myself and I decided to take action. I know some people don't seek much help, so I figured I could share some of the ways that I learned to Overcome Stress.
1. Let's start at the beginning. The very first thing that I personally had to do was to get off of so much social media. Granted, I only had FB & IG (which included both personal and business pages-so 5 pages total). But I eventually noticed that every time I got on one specifically, I would keep getting offended. I had cleared my friends' list, which had worked for a while. But then, I kept seeing mutual friends post things that would still include people from my past, and I noticed that my emotions would change upon having to re-experience old emotions. I kept feeling how I felt from a negative past experience all over again. Lesson- the first thing you have to do to eliminate severe stress (especially if it affects your being/soul and overall/mental wellness) is to STOP LOOKING AT IT ON PURPOSE EVERY SINGLE DAY. Social media has such a strong hold on us. We constantly decline to get off thinking that we will miss something, even if it's something that hurts us. Example- Why keep looking at an Ex (from a relationship or friendship) when what you see them doing hurts your feelings? Or even further, makes you regret, feel jealous, etc. Most of the time, they are faking the funk for the gram anyway. So why bother? That's not an easy step to do, but trust me, it is so freeing. I even got an unexpected plus because it freed up more time in my day and allowed me to focus on something of more importance. This time around, due to business, I did not eliminate the platforms completely. I just kept the one that I felt I had more control over what I could see on my timeline, and also more effective for business, down to just 2 pages, and it makes a big difference.
2. I also began to work on my personal health. I don't really have any health issues, never have (besides having my gall bladder suddenly removed 2 years back). But, of course, with age (I'm 34 ), health things start to arise. Like, I fell earlier this year and haven't yet recovered from the injuries. FYI: As you get older, if you happen to fall, bouncing back is not like it used to be. In addition, I definitely want to lose a few pounds. Nothing major, just 15 for now. I mainly wanted to acquire a healthier lifestyle overall. Getting exercise gives me not only time to work on my body and physical goals, but it also gives my mind time to relax from thinking as well. During my exercise time, I add the time to focus on my breathing and go over some Affirmations for the day as well. I use an Affirmation Playlist from my Spotify account. But you can easily search for some on YouTube as well. Be patient if you begin this. There are so many types and sounds of meditations and affirmations. You may have to listen around until you hear something that specifically resonates with you!
3. Working on any personal goal is always a perfect distraction! Most of the time, when people have a divorce or a life-changing experience, the first thing they do is get in shape. I did years ago when I first separated from my marriage. I wasn't divorced yet, but I lived alone and was open to the idea of dating in the future. So the pregnancy weight that years of unhappiness helped me hold on to, all of a sudden, had to go. But even further than that, work on something tangible for yourSelf, your Future, and your Growth. Go get that raise, Go start that business, Go back to school, Go get a higher license or another Degree, Go climb that ladder higher than you even knew existed, Go make those figures like you do in your Dreams, Go travel and see all the things you see on TV and in the magazines, Go reach those people in your community that you envision helping in your mind, Go show those kids that you can become anything you ever desire. Just go do something that is solely for yourself. After every negative experience, there is always space for a new chance. Take that chance and support yourself. This means that by doing it you feel fulfilled. Like you are walking in your Purpose. It adds to making you feel Happy and Complete.
During my separation (2014), I went back to Cosmetology School for my Teacher's License and then taught for a while. After that, I ended up going to Bartending school as well. Doing that, I had no time to worry about anything but myself. So, Go Catch That Dream, And Go Occupy Yourself With Something For Yourself. That's The Best Gift You Can Give You. Go Make Your Life Magical!
-Always Overcoming
