How You Know You Need a Break: Let’s De-stress

I am one of those people who spreads herself way too thin. I sometimes feel like I am always go-go-go, and never no-no-no. No, is not exactly a word frequently used in my vocabulary. I can’t help it, I like saying yes! I like being active, I like doing things and I like being on the go. However, this can become unhealthy, and I have noticed there are tell-tale signs when I need a break.

1. I’m having trouble falling asleep. 
2. I’m living from my couch.
3. I’m easily aggravated. 
4. I’m skipping meals, and probably not taking care of myself in general.

You’re probably thinking… no shit Layla, something is wrong with you. However, I know I have lived like this without realizing it before. The important part is realizing that something is up, and taking a step back to understand how to handle it.

*ALERT! ALERT! I am not a doctor, these are just ways that have helped me de-stress.*

Laying down for bed earlier and turning off all devices. You guys, I am an avid sleeper (duh, we all should be). I go to bed at nearly the same time every night, and I average around 8 hours of sleep. So you can imagine, when I am missing out on sleep, it puts me in an entirely different mood. One things that helps me when I am having trouble sleeping is laying down an hour earlier than I am used to and disconnecting from everything. The alternative to those electronics, for me, is reading a book, and listening to music.

Take time for yourself. Do something special. Take a long bath and use the bath bomb that’s been sitting in your drawer since Christmas. Throw on a face mask, shoot, throw on a hair mask too! Diffuse some eucalyptus and turn your bathroom into a spa. (I always like to throw in a glass of wine here too.)

Go for a walk. Something about getting up and just walking really relaxes me. Now, this is something I do when it is warm outside. If it is cold, I opt for going to the gym. It gives me a moment of peace and allows me to forget about everything other than moving my feet.

Dance to your favorite song. Anyone who follows me on Snapchat might know that a dance party is something that happens pretty often in my house. It is also something that happens to a pure radio song that I am digging that week. This is just another one of those moments that allows me to just forget.

Talk it out. Grab your friend who is the best listener and just lay out everything that is stressing you out. Say it out loud. Does it really matter? Is this something you should let get to you? Saying it out loud gives you the opportunity to really understand what is going on. It also gives the opportunity to hear how someone else would handle it.

You might be thinking… who on earth even has time for all of that? Guess what, sometimes you have to make time. I am not saying you have to do all of this every single day, but when you feel yourself stressing out, maybe step outside and take a 10 minute walk. You can do it, you can find the time.

Taking care of yourself and making sure you are okay is so important and so necessary. Try not to let it slip out of reach. 🙂

What are some ways you de-stress? Comment below!