The amount of work I am going through these days is insane, and it shows. I have just gotten my evaluation from my supervisor back today. Although she said I was amazing, and that it took her a while to think of something I needed improvement on, she told me I needed to leave things at the door when coming into work. This is how much stress I am going through, it physically shows on me. Work, co-op, school and a younger sister to worry about all in my graduating year? TOO MUCH. Of course, that doesn't matter, you still have to push through it. What does matter though, is managing your stress. It's easier said than done. SO, I've come up with my top ten ways to relieve stress out of my life. This may not work for you because everyone is different. I take part in therapy because I'm so stressed all the time (even before all this extra stuff got on my plate). My counsellor always says, self care should be the most important thing to me. I know it's hard, but if you have time, write down ten self-care activities you can do when you're too stressed about everything. Another good habit is to write down and know your resources, so if you ever have a meltdown you know who to talk to. I know my co-op is a very heavy job, and when I mean heavy, I mean emotionally. I get to see sick and/or dying people on a daily basis. It's sad, and I have to develop a wall in order to survive that sort of thing. But that brings me back to my original question, when is too much considered to much? For me, that means headaches, tears, frustration, exhaustion (especially this!!!!), anger or even getting sick. Stress is no good for anyone. So if you ever feel like you're about to explode and there is steam coming out of your ears, sit down, take a second, look at your top ten list, and do one of those activities. If you feel comfortable enough, share yours in the comments below. I'll start with mine, so without any further jibber-jabber:
SO there you have it, my top ten things that relieve my stress. What about you? Leave them in the comments below :)
- SLEEP- without my sleep, I am a monster!
- DRINK TEA- instantly relaxes me, and it gives me ten minutes to relax.
- ROCK CLIMB- Love this. Concentrating on a route helps block out all the extra stress in my life.
- WATCH ALIEN SHOWS WITH MY DAD- It's lame, but a little bonding with the father by the fireplace and T.V is cozy :)
- GO FOR RUNS- ahhhhh! Ultimate stress reliever, especially when it's not too hot, and just the perfect amount of cold so I can just chill out ;)
- READ A BOOK- a lot of the time I'm too tired to read, but if I can manage, it takes me out of my world and puts me in another.
- WATCH HOUSE OR GREYS- Yes, I geek out over these shows. I look forward to watching the new episodes of Greys when they come out.
- HAVE A SMOKE- eeeek. Bad habit alert, but it works for me. I wont judge you, so don't judge me.
- SEE MY BOYFRIEND- We're usually pretty chill (if he's not the cause of my stress). We kind of just watch movies and eat junk food.
- GO TO THE COMIC STORE- I'm in love with this comic called Lenore by Roman Dirge. Its absolutely hilarious and I always pick up a new issue whenever one comes out (he is slow at releasing).
SO there you have it, my top ten things that relieve my stress. What about you? Leave them in the comments below :)