A to-do list for your stressful days, the days where nothing seems to be going right, should not be the same as any other day. The point here is to shift your focus and concentration, and make yourself a priority. If you don’t, these days are going to go on for a lot longer than they really need to.
Turn Off the News
The first thing you should do when you are having a stressful day is to turn the news off. Even if what is causing stress in your life has nothing to do with what is going on in the world, the news can still make a big impact on you.
During these times, you need happy thoughts and only good news, but you’re not going to get that from national or local news stations. If you can, try to stay away from social media as well. The last thing you need is for your stressful day to be compounded by all of the negative things that people are posting about.
Get Away from Social Media
After shutting off the news, go one step further and stay away from social media for the day. It isn’t going to benefit you today, and only make you feel worse. If you can, try to stay off of social media for a few days. The world will still be there when you come back, and chances are good that you’ll feel a lot better.
Again, it can seem innocent enough just checking up on your friends, but before too long, you are triggered by something you see, get FOMO or get jealous about how others are doing, and feel like you are failing. Even though social media posts don’t tell the whole story. It is best to shut it off for the day.
Do Something You Never Have Time for
While you are winding down and taking some time to yourself when you are stressed, take advantage and do something you never seem to have time for. No, this does not mean cleaning out the gutters or taking your car for an oil change. It should be something fun and relaxing, that feels more like self-care and treating yourself.
Maybe you finally try a recipe in that cookbook that has been sitting on your shelf for 6 months, or you get out your art supplies that have been collecting dust and paint a picture. It should be something that not only takes your mind off of the stress, but also feels like a reward for making it through a tough day.
Write in Your Journal
As cliché as it might sound, writing out your feelings can help tremendously on a stressful day. Purge all of the negativity out of your mind by getting it all on paper. Be as honest as you can, expressing what you feel and why you feel it, why you are stressed, and anything else that is bothering you.
This can be such a cathartic experience, and help you to feel lighter and better after getting everything out. You can also look back through your journal on future stressful days, and see how far you have come.
Don’t Worry About Why You Are Stressed
The reasons you are stressed isn’t important right now. It is probably not something you can take back or do anything about, so put that aside for now. What is important is that you take care of yourself, so you can deal with it when you are in a better place.
Focus on the Good
Even though it feels like everything is going wrong, there are still things in your life that are good. Make a list of all of the positive things in your life, no matter how small they might seem. This could be your partner, your kids, your job, your health, etc. It doesn’t matter how big or small, just write them all down.
Focus on what is going right in your life, and be grateful for the good things you have. This will help you to feel better and less stressed.
