How do you fight stress during a crazy time in life? As I write this, I am home from work for at least two weeks, and my kids are out of school for at least three more weeks. Some may find this overwhelming, stressful, exhausting, sad, or confused. I choose to see this is a blessing. I’m going to share with you how I stay positive in a time like this.
First off, it’s a choice. Trust me, I know that it’s not always an easy one to make, but you can. I want that first thought in your head when you wake up, to be of joy.
Think back to the days that you wake up already dreading the day ahead. You go through your list of things that you have to do and people you have to see, and you want to pull the covers back over your head. How did that day go for you? I bet it wasn’t memorable. You were probably in a bad mood, and things weren’t going your way.
Now think to a day that you were excited about what you were doing that day. I’m sure you woke up with a smile, jumped out of bed, were cheerful, and things flowed. Everything seemed to be going your way.
Why?
It was because of your choice to see the joy and excitement that you were going to feel that day.
So how do you plan your day to stay positive?
If you’re like me, you like to look ahead to your schedule the night before. You might make a list of the things you need to get done. Check off that to-do list. Most women add everything they need to schedule in for their families first. I understand that somethings are at non-negotiable times.
Look at your calendar and add all the non-negotiable first. Second, add that one thing that you are doing for you that day. I want you to think about what brings you joy? What will make you feel relaxed, special, loved? Is it reading, going for a walk, taking a bath, getting a massage, getting your hair done, or working out? Write that down as a non-negotiable appointment in your calendar. Make sure you have something on your calendar that makes you want to jump out of bed.
Next up on the train of staying positive, finding gratitude.
One thing that helps me stay positive or even get out of a funk is gratitude. Even when I have a hard time falling asleep, and my mind is racing, I choose to change my thoughts to listing the things that I am most grateful for.
I want you to wake up doing the same thing, think of at least three things that you are grateful for, and that bring you joy. You can either list them in your head or take it to paper.
I have used a similar way to get out of a funk of meh. When you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed in life and lost on your direction, I want you to take a pen and paper and list out what brings you joy. I divided this out into categories: What brings me joy in work, in life, in my family, etc. This method can help you to change the way you look at your day to see the positive things that you experience every day.
