It's Nothing Sweet Tea and Oatmeal Cookies Can't Handle

Have you ever felt the weight of the world in a single minute?

You know...the kind of weight that hangs in your heart and rocks around in your head, bouncing off the walls and whispering, Nothing, nothing, nothing. The kind of weight that leaves you on your back on your bed, staring at the glow stars you had when you were like, three, but somehow held on to them this whole time, like they're magic medallions or something.

Weight like that can't be held in forever. Just thinking about it stresses me out.

As defined by Merriam Webster, the word "positive" can be, "fully assured", or "directed or moving toward a source of stimulation". Let's focus on making that stimulant a positive one, yes?  

In this post, we will look at ways to breathe and talk about life when it just gets us down. We will also look at some ways we can remind ourselves we are amazing people even when our ceiling tells us we are nutjobs (and why would we listen to inanimate objects, anyway?). Please comment below to share more ideas on how to boost our positivity about ourselves and others. Remember, these are my own opinions. If you are feeling just too stressed or too weighed down by life to the point of harm, talk to someone who can professionally help you. There is no problem with sharing things that bother you.

Let's get started on those summertime blues...

1. Breathe

Before you get worked up into one of those mind-numbing frenzies (we all done it!), take a minute to breathe. Breathe in and focus on how you do it. Does your breath feel cold or hot? Does your stomach go in or out? Try breathing through your chest, or your diaphragm. 
This is a great way to clear your mind and see your surroundings much more clearly. You might cry, you might be irritated, and you might just calm down enough to get out what you need to say.


2. Talk

You don't have to give your most personal business. But if all you can do is talk...then do it! Find someone you trust, someone who is willing to sit and listen or give advice without judgement or bias. Remember that you need to be able to communicate your thoughts, so take a minute, breathe (wink), and then and only then, let it out. 

TIP:   Some people are required to share or report an assault or if you are thinking of suicide or harming yourself. Don't let this stop you. They just need to know in case they cannot help you as much as others can. There are things in life that are out of your control. 

3. Words

Words help us focus, help us understand, and help us feel. Here is a way to de-stress if you are feeling as thought nothing is going right.

Part A:

• Make a list of all the things that you feel are going wrong in your life. Bad grades? Family driving you crazy? Got a cough? Is a loved one sick? Make the list simple and direct. NO NEGATIVITY ALLOWED! (i.e. state the fact, not that you feel like you are to blame)
• Make a list of all the things that are blessings, or that went right today. Got a puppy? Lipstick on just right? Take a sweet selfie? Read a fantastic book? Did the sun come out from the clouds? NO NEGATIVITY--only write the good things. Again, be simple and direct. Focus on the good in a bad situation.
• Leave the HAPPY list to look at later.
• On the SAD list, make a red star next to the things you CAN control (i.e., speeding is up to how hard you pump the gas).
• On the SAD list, make a blue star next to the things you CAN'T control (loved one passing away, song you hate on the radio comes on, etc.)
• Focus on the things you CAN control. 

Part B:

• Write one good thing about yourself.
• Ask someone a funny memory they have of you as long as it is positive.  
• Tell someone that they are amazing. We all have bad days.
• Make a list of people to tell they are amazing.

4. Treat Yourself 
Are you one of those people who stress eat? Or maybe you can't eat because the stress balled itself too tight in your stomach. Some food, though, are good to have when stressed. For a comprehensive list, click here. Below are some of my favorites.

• Nuts
• Oatmeal (I love oatmeal cookies!)
• Red peppers
• Salmon
• Dark chocolate (yippee!)

Now, of course, if stress eating becomes a problem, talk to someone. But for now, take it easy, and indulge once or twice a week to de-stress. 

But of course, you need something to wash that delectable food down. What do you drink when stress threatens to give you one? Tea! (Preferably sweet, with an ice cube and warm chocolate-oatmeal cookie).

• Peppermint tea. It relaxes your muscles.
• Chamomile tea. It helps you sleep, which is good if stress makes you lose any sleep.
• Lemon balm tea. It lifts up your senses, and helps with relaxation but doesn't make you sleepy.
• Green tea. It has a natural caffeine, so it makes you feel awake, but calms you down, unlike soda pop or coffee.

5. Read.

As Christians, we are asked to read and study the Scriptures as much as possible. For a list of good verses to use when you are needing peace or healing, find some here. Remember: God is always on your side. Trials create patience, but He offers healing and peace when we need it. He is bigger than the world.God made us, and so we can overcome with Him at our back.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

-1 John 5:4 (KJV)

And so...

Stress is a normal part of life. But that doesn't mean you have to let it beat you. For more info on beating stress before it beats you, find my previous post on stress!

Remember: you are amazing and loved! Isaiah 41:10.


--KatG 





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