5 Easy Ways to Destress Yourself

Yesterday I had to do something that was heartbreaking for me and my family. I had to say goodbye to our 15 year old German Shepard. He could no longer hear, and was having hip trouble. A rambunctious 3 year old who’s version of gentle is much like the stampede scene in The Lion King didn’t work together very well. So in the best interest of the both of them we had to say goodbye.

It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. When I got home I was very sad, and my first “all or nothing” impulse was to just get back to work… no time to waste… just push through it.

Bleck. That did not feel so good, and it’s super hard to write blog posts with tears streaming down your face, and I’m not sure it’s great for the keyboard either.

I called my accountability partner and we talked and I felt a little better, but I still felt I should give myself, my body, my mind, my heart some time. Some time to destress and feel better.

Here’s what I did yesterday (with the help of my daughter and husband ~ and breaking a couple “challenge” rules)

Read a book.

My books came in the mail from Bookswim. Which I was very excited about. I have been looking forward to getting both of these books and digging into a book is always a great way for me to relax a little bit. I ended up with two “farming” books and chose to start with Animal Vegetable Miracle. (which is very good so far!)

Watch a mindless show

My daughter helped me out with this one. She LOVES The Saddle Club. It’s like her favorite thing EVER. She is so into horses right now. Her Grandma picked her up an entire season of  Saddle Club on DVD for Christmas. I watched an entire season of Saddle Club and found myself getting into it by the last couple episodes. It was very nice to cuddle up with my little one and share something with her that she loves.

Talk to a friend

Even if you’re not talking about what’s stressing you out, sometimes if you don’t it’s even better. It helps you remember there is “normal” out in the world, you won’t always feel the way you are this moment, and someday your life will feel “normal”  again, whatever that looks and feels like to you.  Mary K is my “go to” person in this situation. Thanks Mary K, I appreciate you more than you will ever know.

Pet a cat

Although I didn’t really think I would feel much like spending time with our other animals yesterday sometimes a cat just knows best. Our long haired meower just wold not stay off me. She laid on top of Hanna and me the whole time we watched Saddle Club. For some reason stroking her soft fur made a difference. You know they say petting an animal lowers your blood pressure? I think they might be right about that.

Go out to eat

Yeah I broke the 7 day challenge of sticking to our weekly menu, but it wasn’t my fault!! I had the meat in the microwave defrosting when my husband called and asked if he could take me to Roadhouse for dinner. Who can say no to Roadhouse? Great food, no dishes? Come on. So we went and had a lovely dinner followed by a quick trip to Home Depot where Hanna and I stayed in the car and she promptly fell asleep and stayed asleep even after we got home. (which never happens) Not having to cook and clean and just being able to enjoy my family at dinner made a huge difference, so I definitely recommend it. (just not all the time lol)

So there you have it. 5 easy ways to destress yourself, whether you’ve lost a pet or are finding yourself stressed about anything and everything in life. Remember, you don’t have to push through. It’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to heal. The world won’t fall apart if you don’t finish your to do list for the day (ok, that one was for my benefit).

Go out or stay in and have a relaxing day!

Other Posts You Might Like:

1. The Saddle Club Series to The Rescue
2. 52 Easy Ways You Can Make a Difference
3. Books Books Books: What to do with the books?
4. Primal Diet ~ How’s It Going?