Motivational Monday 2/3/20: Stress

[DramaQueenDiva]

Stress is a huge part of our everyday lives. Work, family, and other obligations all play a part. 

When I was getting my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, my professor brought up a very important point: if we don't take care of ourselves first, we can't take care of anyone else. She was right. We need to be in the right mindset to exercise and stay healthy, which can help relieve stress.

Stress can lead to health issues, both physically and mentally. Stress can cause anxiety and depression among other things, which can cause us to get off track. Exercise can help relieve some of that stress.

So I'd like to find out what causes you to relax? It can be exercise related or something completely different. For me, dance is one of my main stress relievers. I love Musical Theater so acting, singing, and dancing help me relax. Playing my Ukulele helps me relax and makes me smile.

My point being is that as stressful as life can be, we need to take time out for ourselves, for our own sake. If we want to be the best we can, we have to take care of ourselves.

So this week, I challenge everyone to take a little time out of each day and do something that makes YOU happy! Yes, were all focused on our physical health, but we can't forget about our mental health, it's just as important!

[LizFitbit]

Love this post @DramaQueenDiva!

I used to work in mental health for many years and completely agree that self care is of absolute importance. It took me a long time to figure out what helps me destress but for me, it's:

• Something creative (drawing, singing, writing)
• Having a meaningful catch up with friends
• Physical activity - something rigorous. I've started boxing recently and that really helps
• Massage
• Watching comedy (IRL or online. There are so many great stand up specials now)

What about everyone else?

[WendyB]

1. Walking

2. Painting on canvas or Rocks

[DavideFitbit]

Thank you for sharing @DramaQueenDiva, it's definitely a very important topic for everyone. 

A couple of years ago, I rarely took the time to do something I truly liked and that I found relaxing, I was always working on something long term and making plans for the future, but I now realize how important it is to relax and take some time to do something that makes you happy. For me: 

- Going for a walk with my dog 

- Playing videogames 

- Reading 

[KateFitbit]

@DramaQueenDiva so true. I often recall how you mentioned that you use the heart rate feature on your Fitbit to measure your immediate stress level and to gauge when it's necessary to take a step back. 

Its surprising to me how much a long walk helps in times of stress and frustration. 

[YojanaFitbit]

Did you know guys that according to scientists, that extra sleep on weekends just makes you more tired at the start of the week, because it can throw your body clock off by up to 45 minutes. This makes it even harder to get up on a Monday morning causing more stress that particular day, even though you would think you would be well rested since you “caught up” on sleep over the weekend. 😮

Well, based on this I think that we need to stay active and try to use that extra time to do some workout or go out with some friends. 😁

[JuanFitbit]

@DramaQueenDiva , I can relate and agree with the quote of your professor : " if we don't take care of ourselves first, we can't take care of anyone else." 

I have to take care of both of my parents (78 & 68) and Grandma (88). It's kind of difficult and takes a lot of my energy. They are really big kids😁.

When I feel that I'm drained I take a long walk in a small town, hike a Vulcano or if possible, but not that often as wished,  go to the beach. 

This helps me get energized again for weeks.  Sometime I think, if I get ill who's going to take care of the big kids? 

You need time for yourself so that you can help others. 

Playing video games and going to concerts are not only distracting, relaxing but as you mentioned, it's  a reset that everyone needs from time to time. 

Challenge accepted! Won't be on a daily basis, but at least once a week!

[Trillian9]

My number one way to take time for myself is meditation. I meditate at least once a day, even if it is only for one minute. My typical time to meditate is during my bedtime routine. I also meditate often right after I get up. When I find my stress level rising, I have meditated again throughout the day as well.