Stress relief for dummies...

It goes without saying this has been a stressful year. Yeah, we're only what, 26 days in? Still, it was stressful before everything else. You know, the usual money worries. It's never easy paying your bills when one of the parents stays at home full time and the other only works part time. So there's always that. I also began the process of trying to get my book out there this month. So far I've had nothing but rejections, which I expected. And I still remain hopeful, but that's not to say it isn't super stressful to keep putting your work back out there over and over for what seems like nothing but rejection.


Then there's that. That being the bloody "c word" which I'm refusing to speak of, just because.

Where was I? Oh right, stress. Stress is no fun, for anyone. It's like a giant weight pressing down on your shoulders or a dark cloud that seems to permeate everything around you. I hate stress. I hate it with a passion. But I'm getting pretty good at coping with it. I've already outlined a few of my favorite methods, writing and listening to music, so I thought I'd share my others.

A.) Working out/Yoga. For now I've been doing a lot of yoga. Unfortunately, when I'm super-stressed I can't eat a whole lot, so I'm avoiding any hard working out. But yoga is definitely becoming a daily thing for me. I know you're supposed to relax and be quiet and meditative, but I've found I really enjoy blasting some music on my iPod while doing it. Preferably Linkin Park. It's weird, I know, but it works for me. Generally I prefer to do this when the kids aren't around, which is only about 1 1/2 - 2 hours of my day. Otherwise Sophia tries to do it all with me, or crawls under me while I'm in "downward facing dog".  *eyeroll*

B.) Distraction. This one isn't too hard. Especially when you're a stay-at-home mom/homeschool mom. Most of my mornings are busy, busy, busy. And while being stuck at home with my two crazy kiddos isn't always the most relaxing of jobs, it always keeps my mind occupied and focused on the present. Which is always a good thing when you're trying not to dwell on negatives and stress out!

C.) Cleaning! Okay, I admit, this one is my favorite de-stressor. (And no, I will not come and de-stress at your house!) I guess it's also a result of my OCD flaring up when I'm stressed. Yesterday when Sophia went down for a nap early I grabbed all my cleaning supplies and my iPod and went to town on my bathroom. Yup. Scary, but I felt really good afterward, and dude, my tub was shiny!

D.) Praying/Reading my Bible. This one probably should be at the top! For someone like me, who was raised in a Christian home and continues to be a faithful Christian (as best I can!) this is like a knee-jerk reaction for me. Not always as much as it should be, but it is when you've sunk so low you don't know how to pull yourself back up. This one always works. The particular verses I've been reading this week have been Romans 12:9-.25. Specifically, "Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer." And also, "clinging to what is good". So, I'm clinging to what is good right now, fortunately I have a lot of good to cling to! My babies, my husband and amazing family and friends.

E.) Talking/Talking/Talking! I talked a lot before, believe me, but now it seems to be worse. Since last week  I'm sure I've had at least an hour long conversation on the phone with someone, my mom, my brothers, my dad, my sister-in-law, my friends...seriously. So beware if you offer me your phone number, I will call you and talk your arm off!