I have huge aspirations for 2019 and I'm so excited to get working on them and share them with you. But one of my biggest focuses will be to become less stressed, calmer and a much healthier person. Yes that old cliche of a happier healthy me. Before you start the eye rolling, this is actually something that I have already begun to work on, it's not something that is going to be for the new year. For me, stress isn't just mentally draining - stress really does affect me physically so much. From, palpitations, rashes and for some people, even hair loss can occur when stress levels are too high for too long (click here for more details on mental health and hair loss). So just how will I give stress the boot in 2019 and become a happier and healthy person?
Therapy
This is something I started this year and I can't even begin to tell you just how life-changing it has been. I found my therapist through my local wellbeing team and I had to wait an awfully long time - almost seven months to be referred. It was a 100% worth the wait and I would have no future hesitations on seeking a therapist's help in the future. Having someone to talk to you, who is completely unbiased and removed from your everyday life is incredibly freeing. I have learnt a heck of a lot about myself and recognised many things that I need to work on personally and with the help of my therapist I have been able to do this. Whilst this may feel daunting to many, it really is something that has helped me overcome many factors which have impacted my stress levels of late. Whether it is depression, relationship problems, addiction, therapy can have such a positive impact on your life. Contact your GP and see if you can be referred.Vitamins
Nutrition can have a massive impact on the way you feel both physically and mentally. Making sure you're eating right is, of course, important but taking vitamins can help aid this. The right mix can improve your physical and mental well-being, and then expands to every other aspect of life. That means having more energy to play with your kids. Coping better with the stresses of work. Having the motivation to become the fittest and healthiest you possible. Having the body and the mindset to be successful in whatever it is that’s important to you. I'm currently looking into vitamin subscription services that tailor vitamins to suit your own needs and goals. I would love to hear from you if this is something you use.Reduce the amount of processed food consumed
Food has always been a passion for mine. I love to eat out, cook and try out new dishes but it is also something I turn to for comfort. I'm currently overweight and I have battled with my weight ever since becoming a mom. I want to change this because most of the time I just don't put the right foods into my body and I know this is having such a huge impact on me mentally. I don't want to do faddy diets. I just don't stick to them, I need to really focus on how I see foods. I realize I tend to turn to quick fixes, I'm so busy all the time I often just grab convenience food - most of which is processed. This has to stop, poor eating habits can be a leading factor for low mood, stress and of course weight issues. I have made a promise to myself to cut down the amount of processed food we eat as a family (try to avoid it as much as possible).
Bullet Journalling
Feeling overwhelmed is one of my main stresses. It makes me feel unmotivated and depressed that the cycle then begins. Bullet journalling is something I have been doing for around 18 months and I will be continuing it through 2019. It helps me to organize my week, reflect and just generally check in with myself. My husband and I have even discussed doing a joint journal. In 2019 I will be doing monthly bullet journaling posts, so make sure you keep your eye out for those.
Make Plans
Having something to look forward to always gives me a focus and helps me put hard times into perspective. Yes, work might be busy - but working towards a weekend in Stockholm encourages me to keep going. Whether it's treating yourself to a massage when you hit a goal or planning the trip of a lifetime - always try to make plans to have something to look forward to. It really does help me to keep on track.I would love to hear about your stress busters, feel free to share them in the comments below.
K Elizabeth xoxox
*Collaborative Post
