I’ve learned over the years how to deal with stress/anxiety/sadness like I did yesterday. Here’s the three step process for my “mental health day”:
- Cry if needed.
- Go workout hard.
- Do something fun or funny.
The first two steps can actually be done in reverse order, it really doesn’t matter. And for me they generally work best when not combined with normal activities like blogging, work, or social events. Basically I need some alone time to think about what is bothering me and cry and then workout to get endorphins to feel better and something funny to make me laugh again.
And as you can see, food isn’t anywhere on the list. It used to be my only coping mechanism really but now it’s not even on there. Sometimes I still use it but it’s not what actually works to help me feel better.
It’s good to know what works. I’m happy to have this in mind. Even though generally it sucks to get through bad days when hormones in my body are making me two steps short of insane (yeah, seriously), I prefer working through it to medication.
Anyway….
I forget my mom reads my blog (Hi Mom!). She likes to remind me when I have silent days or days without lots of pictures that I need to post more. So that’s what I’ll do later today after a fun 8 hours of working… promise!
Have had you in my thoughts over the last couple of days :)
Hope you are doing okay, lots of love from here!
Thanks Marshy! Hope to see you at the gym soon! :)
This is my favorite blog and you’re writing has been an inspiration to me. Thank you for posting these three steps. I tend to look to food for comfort and for the first time, as of this year, I’m trying to consciously be aware of those urges and to replace them with alternatives that will help me process my feelings and not drown them out.
LOVE these tips! I struggle with “using” food to cope with feelings, and I’m happy to hear that you’ve found something that works for you! I’m still trying to find something that works for me!! :)
It’s different for everyone but if you keep trying and searching you will definitely find the right thing for you!
Thanks for the tips – I struggle constantly with using food to comfort me during life’s stressful times. I can only hope I find some thing to replace food!!!!
I imagine it must be incredibly challenging relocating to a new country even if it is to be with someone you love. I really enjoy reading your blog :-) Thanks for being so real!
No problem! It’s stressful at times, but everything can be stressful at times. ;) I’m doing pretty well.
Great tips and glad you take the time you need to get back to feeling like yourself!
working out and listening to music are my two biggest ways to deal w this. yay for working out!