The name of the game, at least for the foreseeable future, is stress management.
Ever heard of active relaxation? Oh, how I love a good oxymoron, but I think this is exactly what I need to be doing. I will report back.
Other things currently saving my sanity:
Running
I’m so thankful to live in a nice neighbourhood with quiet streets, ringed by a coastal bush track. That first glimpse of the sea whenever I head for the trail gets me right to my happy place.
Music
I’ve been on a playlist making binge lately (Guilty pleasures! Rock ballads!) and I’m not even sorry. My commute is basically measured in songs, as are my runs.
Introspection
I’m devouring advice columns at pace. Cheryl Strayed, Mark Manson, Captain Awkward, Ask Polly. If you know of any more along those lines….
People
After so many months of not being able to face other humans outside of work, half the time now it feels like there’s nothing I need more than social contact. Bless the friends who know that life gets away from us sometimes, and pick up right where we left off, be it text, email, or in person. And amazing coworkers and bosses – seriously.
Blogging
Possibly the best thing I’ve ever done. A chronicle of the highlights, the lowlights, the spending and earning. Blogging taught me to negotiate and made me some true friends.
Outside perspectives are so valuable when you’ve lost all sense of orientation. I know none of you can possibly know everything, and so I take them for what they’re worth, but the insights that even readers I’d never known existed until recently have offered have been amazing. I do not exaggerate when I say that comments and emails have honestly made me cry in a good way.
I’m glad you’re finding ways to maintain sanity.
I’m working out, which is a good stress reliever for me. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of escaping from the world with some TV or movie.
I’m having my own relationship battles right now – all internal. No one knows – not even my husband. So to stay sane I’m keeping myself busy – binging on new-to-me shows, reading, and also running. I even joined a half marathon training group.
Thinking of you during this tough time!
Man! That’s a great list of self care strategies. Right now, baby smiles and cuddles keep me sane – no matter how tired I am, Little Man’s smile keeps me sane.
Keep up the blogging, I find it fascinating and I like the cold hard cash as well.
Blogging brought me friends like you. My favorite advice site is Marcandangel, which I’m sure you know. I’ve also gotten a lot of gems from the Lenny Letter! Are you reading it?
Gosh, I need to take some hints from you. I am not managing stress well at all… I’ve been trying to meditate but I uh… End up falling asleep in the middle of it… EVERY SINGLE TIME. ^_^;
*hugs* You take care of yourself missy.
Run for fun, Run for fun and when that’s not enough … Run to Sun. Then swim every morning to recover from the previous days run. After a while , start cycling on the weekend. the next thing you will be doing triathlons. Yuo will never be stressed sbout anything ever again. Trust me it works.
please correct my typos…. sorry!!