Yes, mom. I do know how much happier I would be...
I for one know that I do not handle stress well. I know this because I have been so stressed lately and it is just eating me alive. I start to bottle my emotions, I stop talking, I stop eating, and I’ve cried at least once every day for the past few days. It gets hard to talk about it sometimes because everyone seems so busy, and why should everyone else have to worry about my problems?
Well, what I usually do when I’m stressed that helps me is blogging, running, or sleeping. My parents hate when I partake in the last one because when I get in these moods, I do nothing but lay in bed all day long with the lights off and no human contact. It’s not healthy, but at times, it seems to be the best option.
I have decided that I am not the only one who gets stressed/depressed and I am not the only one who handles it poorly. I have to say that I have gotten a bit better. For instance today I texted my mom to see if I could go to her work to be with her during a meltdown. She unfortunately didn’t answer in time, so I had to get through it on my own… but I tried to reach out and ask for help (which is the important part).
So I came up with some ways to handle how you’re feeling. I know it is a popular option for people to indulge in unhealthy foods or say, do things like I do and close himself or herself off from everybody. So here are some HEALTHY ways to handle stress:
1. Go for a run/take a walk
I am going to go for a run after I post this blog. I haven’t had much energy to run lately, but today I am going to push myself because I know I need it. Getting in some cardio is always a good fix to a bad mood. It gets your endorphins going and it makes you feel better… you have to try to be unhappy after a run!
2. WRITE it out
And this is why I am blogging- because enough though it is just a quick fix to my emotions, I will take honestly anything at this point. I have written this blog and less than half an hour because it just keeps flowing. You don't even have to write about how you are feeling. Just write anything!
3. TALK it out
My sister has been my saving grace lately with this one. I haven’t gone to her for every meltdown, but I have gone to her for many of them and she has been ridiculously supportive. Luckily I know she has no life like me, so she isn’t as busy, meaning she has time for me. Honestly, just talk to whoever is willing to listen. I had a therapist once back in the day and I LOVED it. If someone cares enough to ask how you are, or talk to you and help you through this… then let them. Don’t push anyone away.
^ Following up on talking it out. Know who to go to. Know who will make you feel better or feel worse. I know when I am angry I go to my dad because I will vent to him and he will give me a sense of empowerment. I know when I am sad I go to my sister because she knows how to make me feel better (mainly because a lot of the feelings I am having now, and the situations I am in, she is in or has been in). I know when I need advice I go to my mom, she always knows exactly what to do. When I just need someone to talk to and give me the cold hard truth, I go to Jessica. When I need to vent my heart out and talk for 2 hours on the phone, I call Dani. When I need life advice because of my mental or eating disorders, I go to Jensy because she has been through everything and she has a heart of gold. I know who my support system is because they have proven it to me. No matter what I am feeling, they have never made me feel bad for it. I am so thankful. Find your support system and figure out the different levels of support you have… I bet you have more than you think.
4. Find a healthy alternative that fits your cravings
This isn’t easy because the thought of eating a brownie over a protein bar just sounds better, but they do have some options out now that tastes like the real, unhealthy thing. Do a Google search and find something healthier that can fit your cravings. Or you can always email me! I have some pretty great alternatives. Oddly for me, I don't turn to eating when I am stressed, I just lose my appetite completely. But I definitely know some healthy sweets.
5. Take a step back from life
I’ve been thinking about just taking a step back lately. Just doing my own thing and not worrying about anyone or anything else. It is much easier said than done. I have almost completed 24 hours off social media and it feels pretty good. Sometimes I get into overthinking the situation of deleting it, but honestly, I do think it was for the better. And I have to say; the reason I have been crying lately is because I’m not holding back anything. If I feel a certain way, I am going to let it flow.
6. Hug an animal
I recommend a certain black lab or black pug… but you can choose any animal of your pleasing. I know my pups always help me through a tough moment. Although Bubba wont let me cuddle his face and Zeus just wants me to pet him, they really do know how to comfort me.
I’m not sure if any of this will help anyone, I hope it does. If you need anyone to talk to because YOU are stressed, I will always make time to talk and help people. If you need healthy recipes or choices for indulging, I have that too. If you need a pug to cuddle, I have that too. You are stronger than you think cough Kylie cough. You just need to believe in yourself a little bit more. If everyone else believes in you, why can’t you just believe in yourself?
Time to go run, work, and then have some cuddles with Bubble later tonight. See, I feel better already. And I’m not going to call it temporary because sometimes you just have to fake it till you make it. Right Shel?