Did you know that 53% of women who participated in a survey say their stress levels now are higher than they were a year prior? And around 33% say they’ve taken time off from their jobs due to mental health issues. That’s a lot of people who need to prioritize self-care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you must learn how to take a break and reinvigorate yourself. After all, how can you care for those around you if you don’t take care of yourself? So that you know how to take care of your mental health, keep reading for some tips that’ll give you ideas.
Accept You Can’t Do it All
The first thing you need to do is accept that you can’t do it all. Society sometimes tells the tall tale that it’s possible to be all things to all people and to do it all. But this is patently untrue. If you want to plan a stress-free day, you need to realize that you can’t be on the go all the time.
This might mean modifying your work schedule so you can telecommute, hiring someone to babysit your younger children, or turning off your smartphone or computer in the evening.
Sometimes you need to ask for help, and other times you need to say “no.” Try it. It works.
Select a Day to Get Things Done
Another way to arrange a stress-free day is to choose a day to get as much done as possible. For instance, you might want to do much of your cooking for the week on a single day. Cook in bulk, portion things out in containers, and put the containers in the freezer. That way, you won’t have to come home from work and cook meals from scratch. You’ll encounter less stress.
You can also try to get all your cleaning done in a single day. It’ll be easier if you have the right equipment. A good vacuum cleaner is one piece of equipment you can’t do without. Don’t simply go with the cheapest model you can find. If you opt for a quality vacuum cleaner with good suction power and a good mix of attachments, you’ll be able to tackle any mess efficiently. It’s also essential to have quality vacuum cleaner bags if your vacuum calls for them.
Getting multiple tasks done on a single day means you can free up time for a stress-free day to enjoy.
Plan Your Stress-Free Day
A stress-free day doesn’t mean a day free from activity. There are lots of things you can do. But it’s essential to plan things out. When you wake up, drink some water or enjoy herbal tea. Go for a leisurely walk or get on the treadmill. You might also want to take some time to meditate, pray, or read something inspirational. If your stress-free day finds you feeling swamped, plan time for a quick nap. Spend time with people you like to be around, order out or go to a restaurant, and enjoy a day when you’re at no one’s beck and call. Arranging stress-free days now and then will help you to de-stress when you need to.
Find Ways to Reduce Stress
It’s also vital that you find ways to reduce stress in your life. Is work extremely stressful? If so, can you find a way to reduce that stress? For instance, you might want to switch departments, adjust your work schedule, or even switch employers altogether. If you have difficulty dealing with stress, it might help to speak to a professional about it. Ask your doctor for recommendations to get the coping tools you need to deal with stress.
While it’s not possible to live a stress-free life, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a stress-free day from time to time. It takes planning to set aside time to rest. But it’s worth it.