6 Ways to Incorporate Self-Care and Reduce Stress: Week(end) In Review

For this week’s Week in Review (thanks for hosting, Meghan!), I am switching it up little bit by talking about a few ways I de-stress, reduce anxiety, and -to be blunt- flush out some of the bullish*it life sometimes brings.

I feel like over the years I’ve gotten better about not letting things get to me and focusing on the positive.  Though, there was a point a couple years ago where it was not so easy.  After many lessons learned, mistakes and tears, chats with many great friends, and just growing up, I’ve realized that some of life’s curveballs are just out of your control and they are going to happen no matter how badly you do not want them to.  It’s all about handling the curveballs as best you can and if stress or anxiety arise, put your happiness first.

Self-care is a component of health and wellness that I find is often put on the back burner.  For me, I prioritize self-care as much as I prioritize eating well, getting enough sleep, and sweating it out at the gym.  We live in a ladder-climbing, nonstop hustle-and-bustle world where people often have a  hard time saying ‘no’, it’s no wonder the time for ourselves is just not made.  And it should be.

(source)

I didn’t think my week could have been crazier/busier than the previous one, but it was.  I’ll spare you the details, but after some of life’s BS, I was more than ready to make this weekend all about self-care. As someone who deals with anxiety and doesn’t like to solely rely on medicine, here are some of the ways I de-stress and feel better when needed (and boy, was it needed this weekend!).

Sweat it out.

Weekend kick off- Friday afternoon Orangetheory class

Working out is the biggest stress-relief.  Exercise truly is medicine and I doubt there is anyone out there who has ever regretted a workout.  I’ve been loving OTF for a while now, but since it’s one of the only workouts I can go given the cast I have on, I’ve been loving it that much more.  I don’t recommend doing any sort of workout when dealing with anxiety- just get out there, sweat a little, and exercise in a way that feels good for your body and soul.

Spend quality time with friends.

This may seem like a total no-brainer, but it’s so so important.  Spending time with people that care about your well-being and cultivating friendships/support systems is the ultimate key.  And if good food is involved, it truly is the ultimate.

Friday night dinner at Napa on Providence with my friend, Katy 

Get out of the house.

Getting out of the house, whether it’s to run errands, socialize a bit, or just to go for a drive to grab a coffee helps you avoid the ‘cooped up’ feeling- it’s easy to get sucked into a Netflix binge session.

Saturday explorations at my favorite Charlotte gift shop, Green with Envy

Saturdays at Sycamore Brewery

Get some fresh air.

Nothing makes you feel better like some fresh air.  That’s it.

Freedom Park to meet this nugget <3

Lemonade stop on a walk around the neighborhood

Get adequate rest/sleep.

This also seems like a no brainer, but if you can sleep in, do it!  I slept in until 930 both Saturday and Sunday this weekend and it was something I seriously needed.

This may slightly go against my “get out of the house” point, but if you need rest and that involves a Netflix binge, I’m all for it.  I’m a firm believer in fully winding down.

Snuggles with my Winston

Treat yourself.

Because when does treating yourself not make you feel a little better?

Sunflour’s raspberry poptart and unpictured soy caramel cappuccino 

Favorite homemade dinner recently- coconut macadamia mahi mahi, balsamic brussel sprouts, and rice & red wine

Questions-

What are some ways you de-stress and beat anxiety?

What did you do this weekend?

How do you incorporate self-care into your everyday life?