addressing the stress in your life

Stress comes from all directions in life, but sometimes you just need someone to tell you to sit down and take stock of where you are. This post will talk about some different types of stressors and provide a little push to get you back on track to taking care of yourself.

Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

financial stress

Being stressed about your financial situation can weigh you down, whether it's a prominent, in-your-face issue or simply weighing at the back of your mind. We're about 2 months past most people's new year resolutions, but it's not too late to set goals. (Psst - you can set goals ANY TIME of year!) 

The first step is understanding how much money you make and how much you spend, and to know that, you have to sit down and take a look. Regain control of your finances by setting up a budget - start first with looking back over the next few months, look at when you need to make big purchases, and then start making some ball-park plans for the future.

health issues

Health issues are stressful because 1) they affect you every day and 2) they can be financially stressful! Two years ago, I decided to get my tonsils out (yes, as an adult!) because the frequent and severe sore throats I was having were no longer a nuisance but a hindrance. But not only was I worried about lost work time and feeling crappy, but also the cost.

Take stock of your current health and your health issues. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent them from getting worse, or from developing new issues. Lifestyle changes pay-off when they add disease-free years to the end of your life and help you feel better NOW. 

parenting

Being a parent is always hard - but wow did parenting get a twist with the COVID-19 pandemic! With many children staying home from in-person school, parents had to decide between homeschooling and virtual academies. If you noticed that your children THRIVED with virtual schooling, you may consider alternative high school options when things 'get back to normal'. Consider the pros and cons and include your child in the discussion.

trouble sleeping

Many healthy lifestyle changes can improve your sleep quality, but if you're experiencing insomnia or medical-level sleep issues, be sure to talk to your doctor. 

Sleep is essential for us to recover from the day, allowing our body to heal and our brain to absorb the information we learned. Prioritize sleep by setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it. Put down the technology an hour before bed, and try reading, journaling, or drawing in bed to help you wind down.

What things have you stressed right now?