To-Do List for Stressful Days
A to-do list for your stressful days, the days where nothing seems to be going right, should not be the same as any other day. The point here is to shift your focus and concentration and make yourself a priority. If you don’t, these days are going to go on for a lot longer than they really need to.
Turn Off the News
The first thing you should do when you are having a stressful day is to turn the news off. Even if what is causing stress in your life has nothing to do with what is going on in the world, the news can still make a big impact on you. During these times, you need happy thoughts and only good news, but you’re not going to get that from national or local news stations.
Get Away from Social Media
After shutting off the news, go one step further and stay away from social media for the day. It isn’t going to benefit you today, and only make you feel worse. Again, it can seem innocent enough just checking up on your friends, but before too long, you are triggered by something you see, get FOMO or get jealous about how others are doing, and feel like you are failing. Even though social media posts don’t tell the whole story. It is best to shut it off for the day.
Do Something You Never Have Time for
While you are winding down and taking some time to yourself when you are stressed, take advantage and do something you never seem to have time for. No, this does not mean cleaning out the gutters or taking your car for an oil change. It should be something fun and relaxing, that feels more like self-care and treating yourself. Maybe you finally try a recipe in that cookbook that has been sitting on your shelf for 6 months, or you get out your art supplies that have been collecting dust.
Write in Your Journal
As cliché as it might sound, writing out your feelings can help tremendously on a stressful day. Purge all of the negativity out of your mind by getting it all on paper. Be as honest as you can, expressing what you feel and why you feel it, why you are stressed, and anything else that is bothering you. This can be such a cathartic experience.
Don’t Worry About Why You Are Stressed
The reasons you are stressed isn’t important right now. It is probably not something you can take back or do anything about, so put that aside for now.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
12 Comments
Ben
These are great tips. I think getting away from social media is always helpful for our stress levels. It’s become so toxic out there.
Dominique
I know. When social media began, I never considered that it would become this toxic!
Julie Cao
I always write journals when I have a stressful day. It is the equivalent of talking about anything I like to a trusted friend.
Neha
I usually write in my journal and take off for a long walk while listening to music. Music and walk normally help me relax and destress.
Elle
I absolutely love these tips. Stressful days never seem like the time to start a to-do list but this made it easy to navigate even the worst of days.
Tracy Isidore
Being raised in the Industrial Age, unplugging from social media is a big one for me! I love the feeling of being detached and being present with all things around me.
Vasu Devan
These here are excellent tips! I do all these and also turn to my hobby and/or do meditation which helps me destress in a relatively short period of time.
Heather
My stress level has been insane over the last year or so. I’m always looking for tips!
Amila
These are great tips and I found all as helpful.I like that you said to stay away from news.Yes,I found lot of news make me feeling negative on such a day!
Ntensibe Edgar
“Do Something You Never Have Time for”!!!! This is something I surely need to do! I find myself doing the same things, everyday. I hate it. Thanks for sharing.
Arūnas
Good techniques. I also like to be in nature as there is no lie. We, humans, need time to time to look at green trees, to hear birds chirping, and to smell flowers blooming in the meadow…
Lyanna Soria
Those are some great points to keep in mind. I would love to do something I never have time for.