it’s my second week being a part of the be happy link up. i’ve been working on my goals and personal commandments (promise!) but this week i wanted to talk about how i find happiness when i am stressed. this is just as much a reminder for me as it is a discussion on happiness.
there have been many variables contributing to a somewhat stressful time for me lately (and all of them are pretty much out of my hands) and i have found myself being a bit grumpier and moodier than i normally am. of course, it’s better that i get this all out of my system before alt, because i doubt anyone wants to hang around with a fun sponge, but i also know these signs are indicative of larger issues at play. but that’s a whole other post.
anyway, there are a few methods that i’ve been using to help bring my happiness back around. they’re fairly simple (isn’t that always the way?) but it’s important that i remember them. here they are, in no particular order:
1. just breathe – i’ve found most anything can turn from being a catastrophic event to an ever so slight misunderstanding when i take the time to breathe. it helps center me and make me present and mindful. it’s definitely one of the quickest ways for me to avoid a panic attack.
2. brain dumps – this is a new method that i actually started because of a design project. i allow myself 15-20 minutes of time where i’m disconnected from all things electronic and am only armed with a pencil and notepad. i then use that time to just write what comes to mind. it can be focused or all over the place. it allows for me to release some energy in a much more productive way than tweeting or facebooking can.
3. read – even if it’s only for a half hour (or until i’ve eaten an entire bowl of popcorn and drank a beer), reading brings me to a happy place. i’m not sure why that is but it helps get me away from my everyday worries.
4. sketch – again, similar to brain dumping (okay, there has to be a better term for that now that i’m saying it again) sketching is a way for me to release energy in a productive manner. it doesn’t even matter what i sketch just so long as it’s relaxing me. and once my brain starts to relax, i find i can look at everything more clearly and if i’m lucky, some truly great ideas will come of it.
i also know that when all else fails, it’s time to get a massage. ;) even though i am dealing with some stressful things, i remain positive and know that this is temporary and will be over soon. there is happiness in knowing that, too!
what are some ways you keep yourself happy when you’re having a tough time of things?
if you’d like to share your thoughts on happiness, feel free to link up!
{image via technosoul}
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Erika, these are such great tips! I’ve never tried a brain dump when I’m feeling stressed, but I’m going to keep that in mind. I also agree that reading helps – it takes my mind off of things and I can get lost in the book.
thanks, kyla! brain dumps have definitely been so helpful for me… and it’s great because you just let it all out without worrying about what it is you’re writing down. it feels really good to empty everything out once in a while. ;)
Great post! I love that everyone can relate to this problem at one point or another. For me, I make a great cup of coffee to go, hop in my Jeep and just cruise around. Maybe put on some music to get my mind going, but it’s really just about spending time with myself. I can think, scream out loud, cry.. whatever it is it’s just me and I can just be real without reservations.
yes, i’ve found spending time with myself is so helpful and refreshing. it’s so important that we take the time to be with ourselves… i probably don’t do it enough but am trying to make it more of a habit! :)
Great ways to find happiness! I need to do all of those more anyway! … and now I want a massage.
after i wrote that i was like, dang, i really could go for a massage now. i may just have to book one in the near future!
Okay so I’m totally going to have to steal your “brain dumps” idea! I love it. I definitely try to breathe and try to put a level of severity to what I’m experiencing. Perspective helps me.
yes, perspective can be so helpful in pretty much all situations. it’s especially helpful if you can find humor in your frustrations. whenever i get especially stressed at work, i just stop and think, “my job isn’t that stressful… i’m putting hats on penguins!” and then i laugh and feel better (and yes, i really do put hats on penguins and create cat shaped ceramic lines that i name frisky business). i hope the brain dump helps you out! :)
I’m going to echo everyone else’s statements there: Brain Dumping? Genius! Thank for sharing these awesome tips!
it’s so easy but so helpful! :)
I couldn’t agree more! I also workout when I need to decompress. A short run or walk can change your mood. I am looking forward to Alt to get away and have some wonderful experiences.
i find that practicing yoga for me has helped even out my stress levels. there’s something about getting my mind, body and breathing focused and synchronized that really helps bring me back down. and yes, i’m really hoping Alt will be exactly the type of recharge i’ve been looking for lately!
Yes to the brain dump especially when it’s three am and my brain is full of all sorts of ideas!
it’s such a great way to get it all down on paper… i always feel a bit more clear-headed after i do one. and i should probably attempt it when i wake up in the middle of the night instead of lying in bed, hoping to fall back asleep, haha!