The simple fact that my mom is in rehab is stressful enough. Add in the travel back and forth, the packing and unpacking, trying to cram in the things I usually do in half a week (sometimes). Yeah, you might say it’s been a wee bit stressful.
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday. Today I’m sharing 5 I’m coping with that stress.
1: Be Kind to Yourself
If you’re going through a time where you need to do a lot of caretaking, you’re going to have less time to do the things you enjoy. Or even need to do! Don’t sweat the small stuff, as they say. This too shall pass.
2: No seriously, take care of you!
I have to say it: yes, you do need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. That may look very, very different from your usual self care though. You just won’t have the time — and maybe not the energy. Do the best you can, and let the stuff that doesn’t really matter go. Who really needs a perfectly clean house anyway?
3: Download some exercise videos
If you use an app that allows you to download videos so you can practice them offline, do it. You never know when you might not have access to Wifi, or you may not want to use up all your data. Knowing that you can do something will help alleviate the stress of how/when you’ll get your workouts in. Obviously if all you do is run, you might not need this advice.
4: Bring some healthy food with you
That might mean just some healthy snacks or it might mean bring meals with you. I do both. I am lucky to stay at my sister’s house and have access to a microwave and refrigerator. Even so you will no doubt be in situations where you don’t have healthy options. Eating healthy meals and snacks will help you to stay healthy and cope better with whatever life throws at you.
5: Meditate
I can hear it now: I can’t meditate. I can’t turn off my thoughts. The point of meditation isn’t to turn off your thoughts, though. It’s basically to detach from them so you are able to remain calmer no matter what rabbit hole your thoughts are trying to take you down. The more you do it, the more you’ll be able to drop into a calmer place quickly.
Seriously can’t meditate? Just take 10 deep breaths when you feel like you can’t take it anymore. Notice how you feel once you’re done. Repeat as necessary.
Final Thoughts
No one gets through life without stressful times. There are simple ways to cope, though.
What helps you through stressful times?
What tips would you add?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Kitchen renovation, my job, family problems and other stuff I don’t discuss on a running blog. Everyone has stress. So this is a good topic.
My friends. My runs. A good book. Knitting. Ice cream. Red wine. A cleaning lady. All these are musts in my current life.
Getting out every evening to de-stress is the most important for me.
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Yes, obviously everyone has stress. Which is why it seemed like a good topic. 😊
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I do agree.
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These are such timely tips. It’s been a stressful week, and usually workouts make me feel better-but lack of sleep and headaches have been my nemesis this week.
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I usually sleep well but when I don’t everything seems harder. I hope you get relief soon, Michelle!
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Thank you!! My husband is out of town this week, but gets home tonight so I’m sure I’ll sleep better!
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exercise and running helped to get me through some awful family stress and grieving a few years back. Having close friends that really get you has also been key for me. I can only imagine how stressful this year has been for your family. Hope things start to calm down for you all soon
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You definitely went through such difficult stress when you lost your sister so suddenly. I can’t imagine.
The next couple of weeks will be really stressful but after that I think things will be better & so far it looks like we might finally get that vacation!
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Great tips. You’ve got to make time to “put on your own oxygen mask” first, no matter what. I second Darlene’s idea of getting outside — even a short walk can help.
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You do have to take care of yourself but there are times when there truly is very little time for it. It’s important to realize that that’s sometimes just the way it needs to be, that even a little self care goes a long way, and above all not stress about it!
When my mom was in the hospital I’d take a break & go for a walk outside, and eat my “lunch” outside too. I usually walked around the rehab before going in too. You’re so right, Coco, those little breaks really help!
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I’m so sorry you’ve been under much stress lately. Yes, getting outside always helps me. I find it hardest to actually eat healthy during those times because I think that takes more planning than just opening a bag of pre-packaged food….lol. But I will try!
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It can definitely be challenging when you’re time- crunched & stressed, but ultimately, much like going for that walk, you’ll feel better if you do it!
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I’m echoing a lot of previous commentary, but getting outside is such an easy (and usually) quick fix for me. I’ve made a concerted effort to get outside, everyday, since around Thanksgiving tine. Some days, it’s only a 1-mile walk, but it clears my kind & kick-starts my day .
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I do get outside almost every day. Today’s run felt amazing — I needed that!
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These are great tips! It’s so tempting to slack off and eat junk food when things get stressful, but that makes it so much worse. Keeping up with workouts and healthy eating helps, but I like your first couple points too- not everything will get done, and you have to be okay with that.
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Yes, killing yourself to keep up with your workouts can be counter productive, too! There have been stressful times where it’s really helped, and other stressful times where that just wasn’t what I need.
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Great tips. Unfortunately stress is part of our life.
To listen good music and relaxing runs in the country can be a good help.
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Music is a wonderful way to destress!
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Exercise, napping, and doing something creative help me through the tougher times.
I’m sorry things have been so hard. I hope that road ahead gets smoother soon.
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Thanks, Jen. Hopefully once she’s home things will get to a new normal.
It’s funny that people who don’t enjoy the slowness of Yoga sometimes like to nap. Well, funny to me, I guess. It can definitely be rejuvenating!
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