To me stress is an indicator that I have a lot going on and I actually like that. I like to stay busy because busy creates momentum. That said, the feeling of stress is an indicator usually when overwhelmed. It’s recognizing the signal that I need to gain new perspective or reset my thoughts because I only feel what I think. After recognizing it, here are simple strategies I use to manage stress and reset:

1. I go for a walk or exercise

For me, I can’t be stressed and exercise at the same time. I get my mind focused on the walk or exercise and my mind can’t be focused on more than one thing, so I drop whatever was stressing me and focus on my health.

2. I pull away and read

Reading is another great way to deal with stress. I go to my current reading list, read from my Bible or read over affirmations to change my thoughts about work or whatever is stressing me.

3. I take a nap

If my body isn’t adequately rested it’s not going to perform properly. I know that when I don’t have enough rest I will often lack focus and become more easily agitated. A nap helps me restore my system.

4. I listen to music

Music can often take us to a different place. It’s a great mood and mindset changer for me when I listen to Christian music or some of the latest pop hits.

5. I journal

Writing is probably the best way for me to get control of my thoughts. That’s actually one of the reasons why I’m writing a post per day for the next 30 days. It helps me focus on something besides work. I use the Day One app to journal and it’s handy because I can just type away on my phone, computer or iPad.

I know there are many other ways to manage stress but this list includes my favorites. Not bad, huh?

What do you think? Comment below!

Admittedly, I’m not great at this. Somedays I feel like I am moving from one task or activity to another without any rest. But stillness is important. Spiritually, it helps me let go and let God. Stillness provides rest and clarity for me. Here are 3 ways I am striving to make time for stillness:

1. Quiet time in the morning

I have found a great time for stillness and quiet is the early morning. I have morning routine that includes time for my spiritual disciplines and reading. This is often the best time of my day because it’s time to reset and refocus.

2. Walks without electronics

I have recently started taking some walks without my phone or with my phone but not listening to any audios. I like this because I can unplug but sometimes it’s nice to listen to something with positive input.

3. Meditation apps

There are lots of apps you can download and listen to that help you focus your mindset. I like Abide which is a Christian meditation app that allows me to select different lengths of meditations depending on how long I need to refocus.

I know there are many other ways to make time for stillness such as sitting in nature. I think the key is to be intentional about it.

What do you think? Comment below!

Here are 5 small changes I think anyone can make to improve mental wellness:

1. Drink more water

Download a water tracker app and drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. I’m not a nutritionist but water keeps your system working properly, including your brain.

2. Take breaks from social media

I can’t stress this one enough because I do believe it leads to more stress and wasted time. Micro learning on social media is good, but in balance. Endless scrolling is letting others steer the ship in terms of what goes into your brain.

3. Go for walks

Nothing beats a good walk on a sunny day. Vitamin D and fresh air. I love going for walks! Bonus – go without your phone.

4. Focus on gut health

It’s been said by experts that gut health is the second brain and impacts all aspects of your body. I drink Nutrilite Begin™ Daily GI Primer each morning as well as take an excellent probiotic.

5. Smile

I once heard it is healthy to do smile – ups (like pull – ups) each day to practice getting your happiness going. That’s a joke but when you smile, often times you’ll get one in return. Who doesn’t like to receive a friendly smile?

6. Have a rest day

I like Sundays for a rest day to spend time to reset, refocus and rest for the week ahead.

There you have it. Just a few things I’ve incorporated into my life that have been helpful.

What do you think? Comment below!