How to Chill the F Out
You know that feeling when there just aren’t enough hours in the day to cross off everything you want to get done on your to-do list? Sometimes that feeling spirals out of control and you end up feeling like a frantic maniac trying to multi-task/be in more than one place at once. If you don’t recalibrate properly, it can be terrible for your mood and health. The real question is: how to manage stress and anxiety?
How to Chill the F Out
Stress SUCKS. Believe it or not, stress and anxiety are two of the worst things for your health. You might as well smoke and drink (jk, don’t actually).
Everyone handles stress in different ways. I aim to maintain a balanced and calm mindset but it doesn’t necessarily always work out that way. I’ve known for years that stress is incredibly harmful to your body. Just a FEW of the terrible side effects of stress:
Weight gain.
Some people lose their appetite when they’re stressed, I’m the complete opposite. I lose all willpower and go to town on the first thing I can get my hands on to eat. Stress eating is real. Oh, and it can also cause nasty problems with your digestive system. Fun, right?
Suppressed immune system = getting sick.
Ever noticed how you get colds or other illnesses more easily when you’re stressed? That’s because stress weakens your immune system, leading you to be more susceptible to both infectious and internal illnesses. Even headaches can be more common when you’re stressed.
Poor sleep.
Having trouble sleeping because of all the thoughts rushing through your head? You’re not alone. Stress can make it so much harder to fall and stay asleep. Which is bad news, because sleep is SO IMPORTANT. I aim for 8 hours a night (yes, really!) – I cannot recommend it enough.
You can honestly trace a lot of health related problems back to stress. It’s horrible for you. At the same time, it can be helpful – a little bit of stress might motivate you to get shit done and be productive. You just don’t want to go overboard. Knowing all of that, how do you manage stress? I’ve gotten a lot better at managing my stress and anxiety over the years,
Treat yourself.
Get a massage, a blowout, or a manicure. Buy yourself that dress you’ve been eyeing. If you’ve been working extra hard, reward yourself. Retail therapy isn’t the answer to long term happiness, but when you’re having a particularly rough week, it can help a little ; ).
Exercise.
This is honestly my favorite. When have you ever felt bad after a workout? I personally love workout classes, my go-tos are Barry’s Bootcamp and pilates. A run outside also does wonders for your mood (the runner’s high is real!), or take a spin class to kickass music. I guarantee you’ll feel better.
Boost your immune system.
If I’m having a busy week, I make sure to load up on fruits and veggies (fresh juices are great on the go!!) to give my immune system an extra boost. Most juice bars also have immunity shots that I swear by, but I sometimes make my own. If I’m feeling a little week, I like to get a B12 shot as well.
Meditate.
This means something different to everyone. Some days it’s a guided meditation through a podcast or app, other days it’s just sitting still, closing my eyes, and calming my breath and thoughts for 5 minutes.
Get outside.
Whether that’s outside as in actually being in nature or just leaving your house to spend time with friends, getting out is sometimes all it takes to gain a little perspective that our problems actually aren’t that big and everything is going to be okay.
Speaking of managing stress… one of my favorite things to do is get out of town. SO, I’m off to Palm Springs for the weekend for Splash House (yes, again). Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Instagram stories/Snapchat (username: amylzhang) to watch all the fun!
While I’ve gotten a lot better at managing my stress and anxiety over the years, I still struggle with it at times. How do you deal with stress and anxiety? Do you have a favorite way to wind down and de-stress?
xx, Amy
Love this post!
xo.
http://www.itswhatsin.com
Love all these tips!
http://www.pennyanddash.com
So true. Love your blog.
Kisses from Berlin
Valentina | DAILY SUIT
Absolutely love this post, such a great tips!
-xx, Sia
http://www.siafoch.com
Great tips! thank you for sharing… I sleep over a mediation (always) but I love the idea of visiting outdoors!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
Instagram @grace_njio
Haha, love all these tips. Although I wish exercise was the answer, treating myself usually works pretty well. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
I so needed to read this! I want to meditate, I know that would help me so much, but I find it hard to start without any guidance, maybe you should write one about meditation for dummies lol!
Love from London,
Whit
http://www.whitneyswonderland.com
Hi Whit! Thanks so much for the suggestion – I’m not an expert by any means but that’s a great idea for a post! I’m still trying to figure it out myself ; ) I find that yoga helps a lot as well if you’re not sure how to begin with meditation. I also really like podcasts – Audio Dharma is one of my favorites! Hope that helped babe xx
I feel relaxed after looking at those photos LOL!
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhiteT.com
Great post! I definitely agree with treating yourself and having a little me time to do any little thing that relaxes you.
I definitely need to take your advice on this Amy! I’ve been really stressed with work lately and I could definitely use some time to go out to the nature! I noticed that my sleep quality has been so pool due to the stress…
i’ve tried to meditate myself before, but I couldn’t find a good spot to meditate! the gym is often to loud and packed! home is often to small or messy or lack of nice view. Where do you suggest for a good meditation spot? =P
xx
Jessie
http://www.4evajessie.com
If you’re near a beach or park those are amazing spots!! Otherwise sometimes yoga studios or other wellness centers will offer classes / a quiet space. Hope that helps – if nothing else, noise cancelling headphones will do the trick. xx
love this post! sometimes we all just need a reminder that it’s okay to chill! We just signed up for bootcamp classes so we can relieve some of that stress and it’s amazing!
http://www.gemandelli.com
IG: @gem.and.elli
LOVE bootcamp! One of my favorite workouts. Have a great workout – endorphins are the BEST!
Thanks for stopping by : ) xx
your routine must be working really well for you because you look so flawless in all your photos!! i typically am too lazy to put anything on my face in the morning, i’d rather sleep the extra 5 min. #fail LOL
cheers
Diana
http://www.seaofblush.com
Haha, thank you Diana! I’m honestly the same way, unless I have an event or a reason to “get ready” I typically apply minimal makeup. I feel like it’s better for your skin too. I’d love to hear about your routine as well! xx
I’m so right there with you! I love to buy and test beauty products but when it comes to actually doing the deed I’m a total mess. Thanks for sharing your quick routine!
xx,
Chels
http://www.chelseaasoflate.com
Ah thanks so much for this reminder that we need to chill out sometimes! I’ve been a little pressed with stress lately so I’ve been trying to dilute that bad energy into activities like kickboxing, planning, and just binge-watching shows! I definitely need to meditate but I find it so hard to do so, unless I’m at the beach with the sound of the waves! A thing that I really found that helps me is slapping on a face mask and catching up on shows 🙂 I’ve been super into peel-off masks. They feel amazing!!!!
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
SAME Jenn. I love your tips — I need to try kickboxing!! And masks are my fave. I’ve been super into sheet masks from Peach and Lily lately : ) xx
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