Self care for when you are stressed out

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We live in a time where we want to show off how hard we work, how busy we are and humbly brag about all the things we have to do. News flash, this isn’t healthy… AT ALL. It is great to have work and be busy, but if all you do is work it can lead to a lot of stress.

We live in a time where self care is finally getting the respect it needs. Therefore we must incorporate it in our lives more. I am here to tell YOU how to self care for when you are stressed out.

Self care for when you are stressed out: Say No

Be selfish with your time. There are so many reasons why we say yes, and often times it doesn’t serve us any good. We might say yes to someone because you want to ease that persons workload.

You might say yes (to your boss) because you don’t want to seem like you are not a hard worker if you say no. It could also be because you don’t want that person to get mad. You might say yes because you feel like you can handle anything.

Or you might say yes because you don’t know how to say no. There are dozens of other reasons why you might only say yes and I want to hear your reasons in the comment below.

Things to consider

Now I want you to think of two things before you agree to do something. First thing, can you actually commit to doing it. Helping others is a wonderful thing, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your well-being. It should also not take priority over your own obligations.

If you don’t have time to help out then you are not going to give it the time that task deserves. If you rush it then instead of giving off a good impression it will seem that you didn’t take that task seriously.

The second thing to consider is whether the person you are helping out is actually thankful when you do lend them a hand? If they are not, then what are you doing?

If you always say yes, people might start taking you for granted. They will expect you to always help them out. Remember that their life is not your business.

If your friend asks you to babysit her kids while she goes out on a date you might be tempted to say yes because you understand how important date night is. If you haven’t gone out on a date night with your significant other in a while either, and you only have this Saturday free then say no. Don’t prioritize others before yourself.

If they haven’t gone out in a while that is none of your business. You haven’t either, THAT is your business. Now if you just went out and you feel you don’t NEED another date night, go ahead and help your friend.

By saying no when you don’t have the time for it then you are respecting yourself. People will also respect you more because they will stop assuming you will help them out anytime any place. Remember it is not your job to fix other people’s problems or to make their lives easier.

No one is going out of their way to help you out, so why should you. If they get offended because you can’t help them out then they don’t deserve you or your help. It is called a favor not an obligation.

It can be hard saying no because you don’t want to sound mean. You also might be trying to impress that person, such as your boss. Here are 5 examples of how to say no without sounding mean or unprofessional.

Ways to say no:

– I’d love to but I am already overcommitted

– Sorry I can’t help you this time

– I would love to but I can’t at the moment

– I appreciate you asking me but I can’t.

– My schedule is already full

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Self care for when you are stressed out: Make a list

Sometimes we know we have a lot to do that we don’t even know where to start. By making a list and checking it twice (kidding!) you can clearly see what you have to do as opposed to just thinking throughout the day of something else you need to add to that mental list.

Sometimes you realize you don’t actually have a lot to do when you see it written down. Write the list down in order of priority. I found the best notepad for this!

If you need to make a dentist appointment because your tooth has been aching, but you also need to clean your kitchen, what actually deserves priority? Don’t answer that, that’s a rhetorical question.

Focus on the top 5 things you NEED to do. You don’t need to clean your house, I mean you absolutely should, but you do NEED to get that cavity filled. If there is one thing you have been avoiding, then do that first.

By doing that one task that is on your mind all the time but you are desperately trying to avoid, your stress will go down significantly. Personally, more times than not that task I am trying to avoid is actually pretty simple. Once you do the first 5 things on your list then focus on the other things.

Self care for when you are stressed out: Ask for help

Now it is time for YOU to ask others to help you out. There is this pride in being able to do everything on our own, but what good is that if we are constantly stressed. When you do ask for help make sure to be appreciative.

Ask people that you have helped in the past because they are more likely to say yes. Don’t be shy to ask your mom to take care of the kids a couple of hours while you clean your house. It is also an opportunity for your mom and children to spend time with each other.

Is your car at the shop? Ask your friend for a ride. If you are not constantly asking for favors, people are more likely to lend you a hand. This is because they know you only ask for help when you truly need it.

There is zero shame in asking for help. We all want to be superheroes but we are only human, and being human is a wonderful thing. People won’t remember you for never asking for help and doing everything on your own.

They’ll remember how stressed you always were. In case that doesn’t convince you to ask for help, this will. Being stressed all the time will bring premature white hairs and wrinkles! Can I get a namaste?

Self care for when you are stressed out: Do something fun

Yes girl you read that right. Go get your makeup and get all dolled up because we all feel better when we feel pretty. Once you are feeling your sexy self go do something fun.

This could be anything. Go to the beach and enjoy the waves crashing. Enjoy the wind in your face and the sand in your toes. You could go to the craft store and do that thing you have always wanted to do.

If you have no idea what to do then here is a list of selfcare things to do in fall that will help you forget about your stress. The whole point is to let loose and forget about your troubles for a bit.

It is not healthy to just constantly be thinking about all you have to do. A couple of hours of relaxing and doing something fun won’t put you behind.

In fact it can be just what you need to look at things with a clear mind and giving it your all. You probably will do a better job or finish it sooner than you would have without that self care time.

It doesn’t matter how stressed you are, always put yourself first. No, it is not selfish to care for yourself, it is your right. In order to love yourself, to feel like you have a purpose, and be able to give it your all, you have to put yourself first.

There will always be things to do, deadlines won’t go away nor obligations. We weren’t made to be stressed out, we were made to enjoy life.

Be a little selfish and prioritize yourself above others. It is a wonderful thing to work hard and help others, but it does not beat being happy and enjoying your life. Time goes by so fast, so enjoy it.

Don’t be too stressed about all the things you have on your plate that you realized you haven’t done something for yourself in a long time. You are amazing, and you don’t need to have an endless list of things to do to prove that you are amazing.