Essential Self-care Activities for Coping with Stress

I am noticing that when I am stressed, self-care is the first thing I let go. Why would I let that go? Why would I miss my workout when I know exercise relieves stress? Why do I cancel my lunch with friends when I know their light-hearted conversations would lift my spirits? And why do I ditch my spa appointment when alone time would calm my mind? Here’s the real reasons behind self-care sabotage:

• My brain actually goes into fight-or-flight mode and my perspective narrows. I don’t even see that I have options for coping with my stress at hand and making myself feel better. Have you ever felt like you were in a “fog” under stress? That stress fog keeps us from choosing activities that benefit our health and wellness. I am learning to be aware when this “fog” floats in under stress.

• I am so busy trying to solve problems that I get stuck in “got to get it done” mode---trying to get more and more done and finish as many projects as possible. When in reality, switching to “being in the moment” mode would be just the right break I need.

• I did not have a ready-made “go-to” self-care list of activities. But now, self-care has become a habit so when I am dealing with stress, I can readily remember that, “Hey, I need to take care of myself in this situation!” I put a variety of activities to try in the forefront…if one doesn’t work for me, I can quickly switch to another and find peace. What is your favorite go-to self-care activity? I love a spa day, dry brushing, and/or aromatherapy. Fortunately, there are several paths to self-care, and none of them are difficult or take a lot of planning:

When you feel stressed and need your calm, try focusing on the sensations around you---the sights, sounds, smells tastes, touch. This takes me instantly to the present moment, giving me a break from my worries.

• Snuggle by the fire

• Breathe in fresh air and really notice how it fills my lungs and makes me feel

• Listen to a waterfall or running water

• Sit outside and listen to night sounds. Can you hear crickets, frogs, the stillness?

• Get a massage

• Cuddle with a pet

• Take a bubble bath with fragrant soap

• Burn a scented candle

• Walk barefoot in the grass or in the sand

• Star gaze with my eyes WIDE open

• Listen to inspiring music…just to name a few…

Another great way to take care of myself when coping with stress is to engage in an enjoyable activity. Here’s a few ideas that work for me:

• Take myself to my favorite restaurant

• Be a tourist in my own city (my favorite!)

• Garden

• Walk your pet

• Journal

• Create art or do a hobby

• Watch an engaging movie

• Go for a walk in the neighborhood or a nature hike

I can also get a boost by doing a task that I’ve been putting off or challenging my brain in a new way. This can also boost self-confidence. Try:

• Declutter a closet

• Do a puzzle

• Make a task list

• Take a drive to a new place and have an adventure

• Try a new activity like gardening or Horseback riding

• Take one small step (ACTION) toward something previously avoided

• Read a new book genre

• Plan an international trip

Getting in touch with my values, what really matters to me, is a sure way to cope with stress and foster calm. These are spiritual activities to me and are very personal. Here are a few ideas:

• Attend church or a support group (your tribe)

• Read poetry, inspirational quotes and mantras

• Meditate

• Pray

• List 5 things your grateful for (works every time, and I can’t just name 5 once I get going!)

• Write in a journal

Coping with stress by engaging my body is tops for me because I can bypass a lot of negative mental chatter. It’s hard to feel stress when I’m doing any of these self-care activities:

• Yoga or Tai Chi

• Pilates

• Dance

• Stretch

• Take a nap

• Go for a bike ride

• Go for a leisurely walk

• Hike a nature reserve

I can’t forget the power of connecting with others as an important part of my self-care. This can mean activities like:

• Lunch date with a good, positive friend

• Participating in Book Club

• Joining a Wellness tribe (with Trish Your TrainerCoach)

• Calling a friend or family on the phone (FaceTime to really connect)

It also reminds me that others go through similar stressful experiences and I welcome their perspectives and solutions. I’m not alone and neither are you. Simply acknowledging that we’re all part of this human experience can lessen isolation and lead to a calm mind and peaceful heart. That’s the best self-care strategy I know. And I just shared it with you! You’re in the vault. Now go have a great, peaceful, joyful day! You have the right tools in your toolbox to slay the day!

How are you really doing with your personal self-care? Want to find out? Make sure you take the Self-Care Assessment in the Wellness Lifestyle section of your Resource Library.