A Real World Example of How to Practice Self Care in Midst of Stress
I saw a post this morning that read “Ready for another Tenacious Tuesday? Let’s get it everyone!” While I appreciate the enthusiasm and positive motivation, Monday was tenacious enough for me. Matter a fact; I was still feeling the pressure of Monday on Tuesday morning. Although there were many things I was eager to accomplish in my day, I didn’t want to do them with the frazzeled feeling of too much to do and too much coffee.
Knowing that trail running, along with most forms of exercise, pumps you full of endorphins, lowers stress, regulates blood, and lowers the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, I hit the trail. Not that I had any doubt, but it worked! I knew those endorphins were kicking in as I launched off a perturding rock on the trail and caught air for a few seconds. I literally smiled, both feet off the ground. I can’t believe I considered depriving myself of this experience so I could get an early start on returning emails.
A stretching session, shower, and a good breakfast later and I am at my desk, working on all those important things that could not wait. Only now I am beginning my work day with a sense of accomplishment, an appreciation for my body, and I’m still feeling pretty tenacious.
3 Steps to Self Care in the Midst of Stress
- Make a conscious decision about how you want to begin and spend your day. In the situation I described above I felt the pressure of my day. I knew there was a great deal I wanted to accomplish and at the same time I recognized that I didn’t want to approach my work in a frazzled and pressure filled way. If your vision doesn’t include a stressful approach, make a conscious decision to address your stress with some physical activity before you take on your work for the day.
- You can do this in as little as 10 minutes. Check out my post on Managing Stress and Inducing Relaxation with Physical Activity
- Recognize how the outcomes of prioritizing physical activity in this moment align with your goals for work. I wanted to spend at least two hours working at my desk without increasing the stress I was feeling. I also wanted the work I produced to be high quality. To accomplish this I knew I would need to calm my nervous system before I began. I recognized that a trail run would address my stress response cycle; lowering my blood pressure, loosening my muscles, and inducing relaxation.
- Be present and celebrate. In the situation described above I vividly remembered actually smiling when jumping off a rock and I held onto the idea that I would never have traded this experience for an earlier start on returning emails. Once you’re moving and feeling good take a moment to celebrate your win – you did it. Then take it all in, so you can draw upon your feelings of accomplishment and appreciation in the future.