Imagine the feeling of being totally overwhelmed by to do lists, decisions, and life in general (We all experience it... probably more than we'd care to admit!), then all of a sudden everything seems to clear out and calm down... You still have a laundry list of things to get done, you still haven't decided one way or the other on anything, and life is just as crazy as it ever was, but it doesn't seem to matter. The worry is gone. I like that feeling.
I'm pretty sure I mastered the art of worrying in college. Especially in my early years. I could (and still can, on occasion) find the most mundane thing to be troublesome. It's almost as if I lived for the stress. The past few years (and a whole lot of help from Mike) have really helped me see that it's not healthy. And that's it's okay to just "go with it" for a bit. Worrying does absolutely no good. Sometimes I have to slow down and remind myself of that.
KB, You know better than to worry so much. Stop the stress. Chill out. All that stress is just a roadblock for productivity and action. Love, KB.
Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.-Benjamin Franklin
The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. -Elbert Hubbard
What do you do to de-stress? What helps remind you to slow down and relax?
I love this post!
ReplyDeleteI worry way too much, mostly about what others will think of me. In this case, it really helps me when I remind myself that noone else thinks that much about me - and that that's a good thing!
When I have lots of things to do and feel overwhelmed, it also helps me to do something without having to think a lot - like watching a silly tv show.
Urgh, I am SUCH a worrier. On top of my worrying, I have OCD... So I worry about "normal" stuff and really bizarre this-will-never-happen type of stuff.
ReplyDeleteMy number one de-stress method would be to lay in bed with Jen, under the covers, while we chat and laugh and play Zelda together on our 3DS'. Often the kitties will come cuddle, which is a total bonus!
I also work on blog design and design in general, breath a comforting familiar scent, play Mah Jong or a video game, go for a walk (even if it's just in the backyard) or go into the family room (which has super plush carpet) and lay down, breath deep and do some stretching.
All that really, truly does help. Oh and of course, I blog, chat with Twitter friends and spend loads of time on Pinterest!
I'm a worrier. It's what I do, and it never seems to get better. Art school isn't super conducive for stress-free living. I try to take time for myself every morning before getting out of bed, and I take a nice hot bath 2-3 times a week. That seems like a lot of baths on paper, but I look forward to it between baths. How many times can I say baths in one comment?
ReplyDeleteLauren @ Sea Parrot
awww.. so true! and worrying robs one of happiness for sure.. i know from experience.. congrats on your progress :-)
ReplyDeleteand great quotes, btw!
xo,
annie
http://alongtheway-annie.blogspot.com/
Great reminder! I think reading blogs helps me unwind a bit and relax, just as long as I'm not comparing myself to them and then that could stir up a whole different storm of worry. I also think it is important to look at everything you've done and take pride in that esp. you, you have been such a successful lady! :) -Lo
ReplyDeletenice.. ;)
ReplyDeleteIrene Wibowo
I'm terrible with dealing with stress and "to-do" lists. I freak out and worry I won't get it done, even if it's small.. I definitely want to take this advice, though. I love those picture quotes.
ReplyDeleteI have lunch, by myself, and don't interact with anyone. Usually I take a book. I know it sounds silly but I'm somewhat introverted and interacting while eating lunch takes SO much more mental energy. I give myself permission to 'treat' myself to sandwich and soup without the pressure of having to talk to anyone and take 30 minutes or so to unwind by myself.
ReplyDeleteMy sister has some stress problems like this too, I think it may be genetic.
When I do stress I like to read my favorite daily blogs, play my video games, or go out to eat with friends. For some reason I hardly stress, but when I do it's pretty bad and keeps my mind tumbling for days! It always helps when my fiance soothes everything down... :P
ReplyDeletei'm at the exact same situation. i called my mom crying yesterday cause i was so stressed out... lucky for me she's a really positive down to earth person so she calmed me down real good :)
ReplyDeleteit's hard not worrting, but it's possible.
just rhink pink ;)
Awww, I know how you feel! Stress is awful for slowing creativity. I find walking really helpful, gives me time to think things through calmly and I guess that the motion is comfort.
ReplyDeleteAlso spending time with Mark (husband) and Elvis (our bugston)always help, they make everything better!
xx
I used to worry about everything. I could never relax. Then in 2010,therapy happened! It's almost over,but I'm so glad I had someone to talk to because she taught me how to calm my mind and relax. Therapy really helped. I know it's not for everyone,but I had some issues from my childhood that I had to work out,so... I've been (trying) to exercise more,listening to calming music and doing some deep breathing exercises as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI worry and procrastinate a lot - but recently just started to go through my to do list one step at a time, instead of worrying about completing it and getting none of the jobs done at all.
ReplyDeleteIt helps.
xo
I stop everything and listen to The Killers "everything will be alright" when I'm feeling really crazy! haha I've been listening(and stressing!) since highschool,I worry way too much!
ReplyDelete♥
Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/
A quote I repeat to myself: Worrying gives small things big shadows. Always helps calm me down a bit. Sometimes I ask myself what the absolute worst case scenario is (usually not too big of a deal or completely illogical) and ask myself if my level of anxiety is appropriate for what could possibly happen. Challenge your thinking and you'll go far :)
ReplyDeletei can definitely relate. thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteA run or a walk. Fresh air and movement relax my mind and body. It's surprising how tense a body can get too from stress so I find it important to move around to literally loosen things up. :)
ReplyDeleteCan I ask you where you got the print of the Matthew 6:34 quote? Its gorgeous, and a great reminder not to stress out. Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteHaha, you said "clam down". I don't like clams ALL that much, but I do love it when things clam down!
ReplyDeleteYou said this just in time.
ReplyDeleteI like to turn off the lights, make some tea, and listen to some chill music. And just sit. It works wonders.
You're lovely. :)
Have a crying fit! Seriously, that's my only stress-relieving technique. It's not a great one - it leaves me with red eyes for hours - so I've had to just get a whole lot better at not getting stressed in the first place; I still do from time to time, but these days I'm a lot better at accepting that most things can't be controlled by worrying about them so it's usually best just to push them to the back of my mind and see what happens next...
ReplyDelete@ Little Miss Dee: whoops! i forgot all about the credit! here you go! http://mattscribner.tumblr.com/post/8230479207/typographicverses-matthew-6-4-designed-by
ReplyDelete@ Plumpdumpling: haha totally! clammmm it dowwwwnn! ;) some typos slip by me, oops!
I just think of the magical happening outside the earth, the universe and the stars and everything around will not stop, the world won't come to an end if I make a mistake. To the contrary, if I make a mistake and I fix it, I will be contributing to the order and chaos of this living and that's OK. Let it be.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sweet post, and definitely a much needed reminder to all of us to stress less and live in the moment more. I love sitting down with a book and a coffee and NOT feeling guilty about it, like I should be doing 10,000 other things. It's hard to do, but it's worth it <3
ReplyDeleteLike you, I often become overwhelmed by my responsibilities and stress. Right now I'm in school, working on growing my blog and starting a handcrafted business, and planning a wedding, all along with the every day stuff and caring for four furry kiddos. All of these things are great, but sometimes I can be overwhelmed to tears. Going out for a walk or bike ride for even 20 minutes always helps to clear my mind, as does soaking in the bath tub with the exhaust fan on to block out all other noises. Other times just a super tight hug from my fella and a reminder that none of these things are more important than love and that they can all wait another day if need be, is all that's needed. It's a tricky balance to find though. <3
ReplyDelete-Sara-
To add to my list: write myself a note about calming down when I have too many things on my list.
ReplyDeleteOh crumbs, when am I going to find the time to do that?!
Those photos are so cute!
ReplyDeletehttp://kindoflovely.com/
I don't know, I guess sometimes it just takes someone or something to get me out of my small world a bit...to realize it doesn't really matter.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I get really behind on bills or something and I get SO WORRIED ABOUT IT...until I tell myself that the worst thing that will happen is they'll cut off my cable or whatever and I'll pay it next paycheque. Is that life threatening? No. Is it mildly embarrassing? Only if I let it be. It's fine.
Stuff like that. Or take stock of what you actually care about...is the stressful thing getting in the way of it? If not then forget it.
My husband calls me "Worst Case Scenario Girl." I didn't think I was a worry wart, until I started looking back over my life and realized that even in my childhood I had a plan to save all 10 members of my family in case there was a fire and would go around the house double-checking that the baseboards were clear of any clutter. The best thing to happen to my worry was marrying someone who doesn't worry at all. But I still think to myself, "Why do I even care if that happens? What are the chances?"
ReplyDeleteI was just about give you that quote from Matthew. :)
ReplyDeleteI am just like you. Worried a lot in the past. Ryan has really helped me out with learning to just go with it, as you said, and just live each day. Worry is a waste of time. Lucky us to have great men to remind us when we get all worried!