3 Ways to Lift Your Spirits in Stressful Times

We all have times when life is really stressful. Work demands are never ending and often clash with our long list of family responsibilities. There’s social media to check, emails that have to be answered and constant project deadlines that seem unreasonable. Sound familiar? Over time, stress can take its toll on the body and mind and cause all kinds of problems. Fortunately, there are things you can do to life your spirits and soothe the tension in your life.

Make Your Schedule Easier

Running all around town for errands, shopping and appointments can be incredibly demanding. Instead of going to several stores for your shopping, see if you can get everything you need from a single place.

It’s also a good idea to leverage technology to give you your time back. Do your grocery shopping online and get it delivered to your door. If you live in New York and you’ve been thinking about getting a medical marijuana card, you can save time and lower stress by applying online. It’s an easy and secure process and you’ll be connected to a knowledgeable provider who can advise you and set you up with the forms you need.

Cut back the time you spend on the phone by booking all appointments online. Use a calendar app to keep your schedule organized and add notes and reminders to keep you on top of things. Also, you can make time in your schedule for relaxation, and take a long hot shower or soak in a deep tub after a stressful day. Grab a great novel and get lost in a book for a while.

Be Grateful

When we are going through a stressful time we often get caught in a circular loop of fear and anxiety. It can be very easy to become resentful and feel totally lost during difficult times. One of the best ways to lower the pressure you are feeling and improve your outlook is to practice gratefulness.

By focusing on being grateful, we change our viewpoint to one of thankfulness and appreciation for all the wonderful things we do have. It’s a good idea to take a few minutes before bedtime to think of five things for which you are grateful. This will help you sleep better, and you will wake up more refreshed too. Gratitude will help make you happier and help calm your fears too.

Remove Yourself from Negative Things

It’s easy to get swept away by all the news, radio and commentary in the media. If you find yourself jolted by what you are watching or listening to, it’s time to unplug for a while. Your anxiety levels will lower dramatically if you are outside watching the birds frolic and sing instead of glued to the TV absorbing negativity.

Talk to a dear friend and share great stories and reminisce about the fun you had together on your last trip. Stop interacting with people in your life who drain your energy and leave you feeling deflated. By changing your focus, you can change your outlook and your life.