Stress Out of Control? Guaranteed Ways to Lower + Giveaway!

Stress out of control? That seems to be normal, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn how I lowered my stress so you can too. Plus, a giveaway hop!

April is Stress Awareness Month

Anybody else experience way too much stress? No, just me? Good.

Ha. If only.

It seems like the more conveniences we have, the more stressed we are. Remember the days when the television stations shut down in the wee hours of the morning, family was the priority and it didn’t all center around the right now mentality?

As many of you know, my journey to be healthier has been going for a while. I finally feel like I’ve figured it out. I am not completely stress free, my life isn’t the way I want it but I am happy. When I’m standing in line for a long time, I no longer get annoyed or angry. When I’m cut off, it’s a moment of strong annoyance then gone again. I’ve changed. By no means am I completely better, I have miles to go. My life needs so much work, but it didn’t get this way in a day and it definitely won’t be better in a day, right?

Why did I use ‘guarantee’ in the title?

The reason I felt secure in using such a strong word is because it worked for me. I live with generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, depression and a ton of trauma that held me down. I’ve written about my depression and finding my joy, but I haven’t always stuck to and lived the joy.

Nothing has really changed in my life, the circumstances are the same, I still have the same issues, BUT I am different. I am no longer stressed out, angry, depressed, dwelling on things obsessively.

The steps below, along with Al-Anon and an amazing support network that is literally worldwide, has helped me become stress free. The stressors still exist, but I am no longer stressed.

I’m happier, more confident, I’m working through my issues and the future looks bright! I don’t know what it holds, but I’m excited to find out! It wasn’t long ago that the unknown scared the daylights out of me!

Ways to Lower Your Stress

1. Understand that it is absolutely okay to say no to things. You don’t have to explain or justify the ‘no’ to anyone, including yourself. Sometimes stress comes because we overload ourselves. Saying no helps with the load, that way you can have less stress and put your efforts

2. Learn to let your inner voice be your friend again. Instead of letting yourself say negative things, speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a friend. A great question that someone presented to me for that is: ‘Whose voice told you you were {insert self doubt criticism here}?” Let’s face it, we didn’t start out telling ourselves that we were less than!

3. Help! Accept it when it is offered and ask for it when you need it. That doesn’t make you less than, that makes you resourceful! (Another gem from a dear friend!)

4. Whatever happens, as long as you did your best (and know that you did all that could be done, otherwise you’d have done more!). Since you did your best, it went well! If it didn’t go the way you want, it’s okay because you still succeeded! You can only fail if you don’t try! As long as you are learning and growing, then you are good!

5.This one is super important and difficult for all of us. Ready? Do something that is purely for yourself! It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant, it can be anything. Even taking a shower just a little longer than usual or painting your nails. Just do something that is only for you, each and every day! Trust me, it makes a huge difference with the stress levels!

6. Start working on your physical health as well. Exercise however you can, drink more water and, if needed, add some vitamins to your diet. Feeling better physically will help your stress as well.

7. Give yourself grace. Nothing happens in an instant to make things better, Stress didn’t start this morning and it won’t stop this afternoon. It takes time. Take time to appreciate the little things that you do to feel better.

This post is sponsored (but not influenced) by Superior Source Vitamins. They have graciously offered to give one lucky winner a set of their fantastic vitamins. These vitamins are different than any others I’ve ever tried.

They easily dissolve on your tongue and you don’t even have to have water. That means the vitamins are more easily absorbed into your body! Isn’t that fantastic? Take steps to be a healthier you every day and eventually you will see the stress melting away as well!

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.