By Sarah Fertsch
Now that the world has opened up, calendars are filling up. Weddings, barbecues, beach days, play dates, date-dates, and family reunions are coming in hot and served with a side of stress. It makes you wanna start social distancing again. But before you fake a flat tire and fake-cough into the phone, check out these tips to manage stress and practice self-care this summer:
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Any therapist off the street will talk your ear off about the importance of boundaries. When you intentionally set limits on how often and who you hang out with, you create more space to do what you love and relax. If your work friend is constantly inviting you to grab drinks, let them know that you can only go out once per week. Then you can stop feeling guilty for always saying no; they know your boundaries and can respect them. Does your significant other berate you about ordering too much takeout? Come to a compromise and agree to cook five days per week. When we set boundaries, we treat ourselves with dignity and thrive under structure. Don’t be surprised when you feel inner peace.
2. Add Moments of Quiet Into Your Schedule
Learning to be comfortable in your own skin is one of the most important lessons in life. Social media, children, and the media can make your world feel chaotic. But learn to protect moments of silence and calm during your day. Download an app and try meditating. Pray while you drive rather than listen to music. Sit by the ocean, close your eyes, and appreciate the sound of the waves. Journal during your lunch break rather than watch videos. How can you rest your mind and find peace this summer?
3. Create a Self Care Box
There will always be times that feel overwhelming and stressful. The ways we cope with these moments reflect your health and resilience. Gather items that ground and comfort you and keep them in a box or basket, readily available for crisis times. Here are some ideas of things you can include: a favorite record or CD, a fuzzy blanket that smells like childhood, fidget toys like tangles or stress balls, crystals, puzzles, or packets of your favorite tea. Feeling calm yet?
4. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
Sometimes we need a little extra boost to get through tough times. If you notice that you’re crying more, feeling depressed or isolating from others, you may need to seek out a therapist. In the meantime, let your loved ones know that you are struggling. A smile, a hug or a meal shared between family or friends can work miracles. If you are feeling unsafe toward yourself or others, look up your local crisis hotline and talk to someone who can offer direction and support.
5. Start a Gratitude Journal
Numerous studies show that practicing gratitude allows you to feel more happiness and peace. Last year, I wrote three things I was thankful for everyday in calendar squares. I found that I would spend my days searching for good so I could write down something new for tomorrow. We have so much to be thankful for: health, loved ones, nature, and hope for the future. It’s also wonderful to look back and read through how we loved our lives months or years ago!
Don’t let the mundanity of life exhaust you. When we take care of ourselves, we become better friends, parents, partners, employees and people. Life is short, dear reader. Don’t let it slip away in the midst of anxiety and panic. You deserve to be your best you.
