Some thoughts and discussions from me.
What I’ve Added to My Morning for a Stress-Free Day
If I let myself, I could probably be ok working from sun up until sun down every single day. Well, until about 5 or 6 days in, when I’d likely become stressed, crash, have a mental breakdown, and then my work and integrity would be comprised due to all work and no play.
I’ve mentioned this before, but when you work for yourself, it’s so dang easy to get wrapped up in emailing back clients, making tweaks here and there, and working at all hours of the day. It’s my passion, so it doesn’t always seem like a big deal! But it is. So, I force myself to chill out, set work hours, and take a lot of breaks for fun and relaxation.
One of the newest things I’ve implemented into my stay-sane routine is taking 20 minutes right when I wake up to go for a stroll.
Just me, Niko, and sometimes some coffee. No email, no schedule, no iPhone. I take 15-20 minutes to stroll around the ‘hood, listening to the birds, enjoying the quiet, and simply being so incredibly grateful for this life.
It’s not only a peaceful few moments in the morning, but it also sets the tone for the rest of the day. Instead of waking up, bleary-eyed, and immediately checking my phone or computer, running the risk of starting my day off with negativity or aggravation, a walk with the sun and the birds is a much better choice for me.
This culture we live in today puts busyness on a pedestal. The fuller the schedule, the more you must be winning at life, right? Wrong. At least in my opinion. We glorify being busy, busy, busy, and it seems like some people even like to brag about it.
But doesn’t life happen in between those busy moments? When you’re reading a good book in the shade. When you’ve just finished a delicious meal with friends. When you take some time out of the day to enjoy nature.
I think it does.
Another thing that I try to practice throughout the day while I’m working is diaphragmatic breathing. To take a few moments and take a few breaths – filling up first the belly, then the low back, and finally, the chest. Usually while I’m doing this, I rely on a couple mantras to get me in the right mindset for the rest of the day, too. A few I’m loving right now are:
“Be. here. now.”
“Live with love.”
“Trust God. Then pursue.”
In other news, Shane and I finally purchased a much-needed piece of furniture yesterday – a legitimate couch!
When we first moved in here, we had no idea what kind of furniture we wanted to buy. We made an impulse decision to by a “couch” that looked nice and was super comfortable. However, time told that it was much too small for Shane and I relax comfortably together on it, let alone anyone else. Ergo, it’s been lovingly called the “chouch” (chair + couch – no one knows what it’s really supposed to me!) by us and our friends ever since.
Since we like having people over, we usually stick to the kitchen table, playing cards. But when it comes time for relaxing, there’s only 3 real seats to sit in. Now, after two days of looking and researching, we have a bonafied couch – that sits up to 5, plus a chair for a 6th person!
Moral of the story: do your research for making a (pricey) impulse decision.
Oh, and take time to relax on your couch couch 
Have a great day, my friends!
What do you practice to reduce stress and live in the moment in day-to-day life?
ohhhhh i looooove walking by myself and listening to birds – good for you babe
Meg @ A Dash of Meg recently posted…Reminders For Self Love And Body Peace
<3 it's just so relaxing :)
love the couch!! can I come rest and chat?? I’ve been trying to relax more and more lately!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Family Time and Anniversary Celebrations
You know I would just love that, Brittany!
I always take a walk at some point throughout the day with the puppy, but I love the idea of doing it first thing in the morning – such a nice way to start the day!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…FLTW: Roommate Expectation vs. Reality.
i love this idea….but I would have to get up at like 4 am to make it happen…might be worth it though.
Shaunna recently posted…Toddler Tuesday-My Kid Screamed In Cinderella’s Face
Or an evening/sunset stroll to wind down sounds great, too!:)
I love the couch- a lot. I also love the idea of getting up to start your day with a walk. I think each of us would benefit from finding something soothing and grounding to do to start the day!
Caroline @ Fighting For Wellness recently posted…My Best Long Run I’ve Had {and 9.8 miles}
Walking (Hiking!) will always be my absolute favorite way to take my stress levels down a notch. It forces you to slow down and take in the world around you, and you have just enough time to appreciate it all. Love it!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…I Confess
My “me time” in the morning is CRUCIAL for setting the tone for the rest of the day. I like to wake up early before everyone else just to make sure I have about 15-20 minutes to eat my breakfast, drink my coffee, and do my devotions/prayer in peace. When we were living with my in-laws the past month, it was a lot more challenging to get in that peace & quiet in the morning, and I could totally feel it. It felt soooo nice to get it back again this morning. 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Moving Weekend
Like that couch! I also go for a walk in the mornings. But when its raining out, I always meditate or do a quick yoga sequence to put my head in the right place before starting my day.
I also am a bit of a coffee snob and I take a good 10-15 minutes to make my proper cup of coffee in the morning. That in itself is a bit of a meditative sequence for me!
Amalia recently posted…Someone has a Concussion…
I’ve actually been thinking of starting to do this in the mornings as well. I figure it will be a good way to be active first thing in the morning but also wake up slowly and start my day off right…hmmm…perhaps I will start doing this now!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal recently posted…Peanut Butter Bee’s Knees Giveaway
I wish I walked more and have been trying to lately but having three year old sometimes puts a damper on this… With the more pleasant weather lately we’ve been heading out after dinner for a quick stroll which is the perfect way to end the day!
Over the years I have learned how to deal with stress better and better. I think it’s because I have adopted a mind-set that everything will work out, and I trust myself enough that I know things will get done! Exercising first thing in the morning and getting a good night sleep DEFINITELY HELP 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…Exclusive Invite to the Party of the Summer
I reaaallly need to learn how to de-stress. It’s kind of in my nature to get overwhelmed and work myself up to the point that I constantly feel tired, agitated, and worried about the future. My first half marathon is on Sunday, and in some ways I’m looking forward to being done so that I can focus on getting myself more relaxed and on a less stressful schedule. Thanks for the reminder!
Jen @ Bagels to Broccoli recently posted…Boston Healthy Dining Out Series: Seasons 52 in Chestnut Hill
I love getting up and getting my dogs walked in the morning before anything (well, except I have my coffee while they eat-priorities for us both!).
It gets us moving, enjoying the weather, the scenery (I live by 2 farms) and wake up!
Lori and I go on daily walks with Jax in the afternoon and we just talk. Or sometimes just like today we just walked in silence. haha sometimes we are just both mentally exhausted from doing talking that is nice to just be.
Purelytwins recently posted…Vlog: new breakfast, essential oils and cleaning oven