This year has been nuts. With everything that’s happened and the crazy pace I’ve been keeping, I’ve really been taking some time for myself. It’s important to me to ensure I have a good balance or else, I just won’t function properly and end up in a depressive rut.
Thankfully, I have a rock solid support system who are always around to lend an ear (or a hug). With this, I’ve managed to push through tough times with a strong sense of confidence, better mindfulness and some lessons learned.
I sat down and compiled a list of stress-relieving tips to share with all of you. These all really helped me, and I know they can be of benefit to all of you too.
- If I’m stressed out about something in particular, I talk to my sisters, husband and/or close friends about it. It immediately feels better to let it out, and my peeps are pretty good about giving me some insight into my problem or advice on how to solve it/de-stress.
- I watch tv. Sounds like a time-waster, right? For me, it’s a great way to unwind and turn my brain off for a bit. And how can you think about your stresses with a bunch of Real Housewives screeching at each other at the top of their lungs?
- Running! I’m no Usain Bolt, but I do enjoy running. It de-stresses me beautifully, clearing my head, giving me time to think and releasing all of those great endorphins. Without fail, I always feel way better after a good run.
- Indulging in retail therapy helps me. I don’t care what anybody says! I keep it stress-free by writing a list of things I actually need or by focusing on buying one little treat like flowers or nail polish.
- Walking is one of my huge loves. I’m known for what I call my “Canal Mega Walks”. At over 8km long, This waterfront walk offers me about an hour or so of head-clearing time to enjoy the sights, get some exercise and think things through.
- Get back in touch with nature! Hit the trails for a walk, go camping, ride your bike, enjoy the sounds of the birds, the flowers, the fresh air. So good!
- Gather your squad and have some fun. Doesn’t have to be anything major. Get together to watch your favourite Netflix show, go for brunch – whatever. Just round up your crew, relax and have fun. Let the laughs flow!
- I got this tip from one of my fave bloggers of all time: rename your iPhone alarms with positive messages. Mine used to be: “Get the f*ck up, Laze Ass!” and “Working for the weekend.” These aren’t the most inspiring words to read first thing in the morning. How about renaming an alarm something like: “YOU ROCK!” or “Name 5 Things You Are Grateful For”? This gets your day started on a positive note!
- A few weeks ago, instead of rushing around the house like a crazy person to get to work, I woke up a little early to refill my bird feeders. Starting the day out in my garden under the sun, coffee in hand with a bunch of goldfinches anxiously awaiting their breakfast set the tone for a great day. I left the house feeling calm and happy for a change. Not even terrible public transit could ruin my mood that day.
- Respect your body by eating healthy. Yeah – that Five Guys burger is pretty much sex in a wrapper, but you feel crappy after eating it. Eating balanced, nutritious meals feeds your body and mind boosting your energy and boosting your mood.
- Good, damn music! I grab my little sound system that packs a huge punch and listen to my fave tracks. I bust a move like no one’s watching and I feel amazing.
- Walk your pup. One day, my dog and I will walk around the neighbourhood having fun like best buds. I just need to get Ryan on board with adopting a maltipoo.
- Read a great book. Some of my faves: The Woman In Cabin 10 (creepy!!) and Girl Boss.
- Stop hanging around negative people. Misery loves company. This is a HUGE game changer.
Over to my pals! Here is how some of my close friends and family destress!
Tara
“I love a good Epsom salt bath and good book with of course, pampering scrubs and lotions. Oooh – and dandelion tea!”
Vanessa
“The best way to de-stress for me is a date night with my love. We drink wine, solve the world’s problems, and make crazy plans for the future. It’s my favourite thing to do!”
Alyssa
“I run!! And eat Nutella!”
Taisia
“I know that stress will quickly effect my perspective for the day and my attitude. I try to take a moment wherever I am to close my eyes and think about all of the things I have in my ife that make me smile. make me happy and that I am grateful for. Focusing on these blessings and simple, happy things reminds me that I have already won at life.”
Alice
“I walk by the water near my parents’ house, get on my cruiser and bike through the trails, snuggle with my cats and watch Netflix…”
Kat
“I do the obvious. I go for an hour-long massage.”
Got any awesome stress-kicking tips? Share with us!
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
OMG!! Every single one of those tips I do except walk a pup! I USED to do that but I gave up my pooch 2 years ago. That is amazing that I use the same quote for my alarm “Get the f*ck up, Laze Ass!” I use that exact name! I see I am not the only one and it proves I’m on the right track. HA!
Oh… my tip:
Every day at lunch, I leave my desk, even if for 30 minutes, call someone special who is positive or watch my fav show on Netflix — yes, during lunch hour 🙂
Loved every single tip! It’s important for us women, and men – to be able to function. Stress is a serious killer! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Author
You’re welcome, Sapphire! Thanks for stopping by!
I like to watch TV as well. It keeps my mind off anything stressful. But I also enjoy reading and taking a nap if possible. Working out can be a good stress relief as well.
I grab my Coregeous ball and I massage my vagus nerve. Don’t judge it until you try it! lol
I also regularly practice movement, breath and mindfulness which helps me regulate my nervous system! 🙂
Author
Jeez – I have to look this up! Sounds good!! Thanks, Renee! Miss you. How’s life??
great ways to relief stress when im upset about something i disconect completely from social media specialy if it is becuase somethign that happend like the earthquake that happend las week in my country. i watch tv or youtub videos to distract my self. also excersicing is the best to let everything out
Author
Oh jeez! I hope you and your family are ok!
Get out of my head! I just asked friends for ideas to chill because lately I have been a beast! I am going to use some of your tips to chill because don’t nobody have time to be a grump.
This is a great list! I myself sometimes let stress and anxiety get to me. I use several of your methods listed. I also started doing yoga, and that’s been a major game changer.
-Nik
http://www.CurlsAndACamera.com
I love the list! I’m a little out of it lately, so I’ve been trying to work out more lately.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
I love reading books and snuggling with my husband. That is the best way to destress for me!
Great Tips and I couldn’t agree more with you regarding retail therapy! I also love talking to my husband, and watching tv it takes my mind off things
I’ve been doing most of these things to get rid of stress, too. Watching tv takes my mind off of things and I can’t even imagine life without music. I really need to make time to read again….ahhhh…trying to juggle it all and still keep your hea above water! *sigh*
Eating healthy is major. Your body will work so much better and stress will be lessened.
Walking always makes my mood brighter. I need to do more of these but walking and listening to music really helps me.
This is a good list, I like to shop, travel, and arts and crafts. Doing arts and crafts mellows me out and take me to my happy place. Nothing else in the world exists.
Retail therapy was one of the ways I dealt with stress, anger, frustration, etc. Then I realized it was hurting me lol at least financially. So now, I just let things go. I do the things that bring me pleasure that doesn’t have a price tag.
Author
This is great, Kim. I’m a diehard shopper, but I know my limits. That’s why I tend to treat myself to little things rather than binging. If it’s expensive, I’ll sleep on it. Debt makes no one happy! xo
Name your alarm with positive messages, is there an app that will allow the alarm to take? if so that would be really cool. I also like to talk to my friends and family to be heard and hear there perspective. My de-stresser is traveling. I love when I can take time to just not worry and relax.
Author
Travel is a fantastic destressor (although airports can send me into a frenzy). You can rename your alarms right on the iPhone’s alarm app. Not sure about other platforms. I’m sure there are a ton of great alarm apps out there though that you can play with!
Oh I love these tips. Sometimes life just moves incredible fast and we wonder where time for health and fun has gone. Thanks for sharing!
Author
You’re welcome, Justine! Thanks so much for reading!
I agree with this,” stop hanging around negative people” as it will be more stressful. Thank you for sharing, you have posted a great list.
Author
Glad you liked it, TC!
I like to get a good workout in for some stress relief. If nothing else, it just takes my mind off of what’s bothering me and it’s helping to improve my health.
Author
Exactly!! Working out is the best stress relief…well one of them. *wink wink nudge nudge*