It’s the end of the school year and you’re about to lose your ever-lovin’ mind. There have been permission slips to sign, concerts, sporting events, field trips, and craziness has ensued. If you have a child graduating–lawsy–your plate is even more overflowing.
Whether you’re facing the end-of-the-year madness of the flurry of school activities or simply a busy season of your life, there are some actions you can take to ease the chaos.
Take a Mental Health Day
I’m a firm believer that mental health days should be a paid benefit in the workplace. Everyone needs one or two a year. I usually do right around January or February. I’ve had enough of winter’s lingering numbing, sunless days and long for the bright warmth of spring. I’m tired from the holidays and the let-down that usually follows. It’s about then that I want a mental health day: a day to simply be. Sleep in, unplug, read or watch a movie, eat what you want, be free of worry and hustle. Relax and do something you enjoy that maybe you’ve been far too busy to do lately: read, pursue your hobby, bake, write letters. Spending a day with your spouse, child or a good friend may also be what’s prescribed for this type of day. It’s a micro-mini vacation and often is just what’s necessary to power you up for whatever is next in your life.
Talk to a Good Friend
Confiding in a good friend when you’re stressed, worried, feeling like you can’t do it all, struggling with feeling inadequate because you’ve got ten balls in the air and you’re not doing any of them justice, can be a stress reliever. Talk to a friend who will reassure you, understand your struggle, and offer encouragement. There’s a time to be that friend to someone else and a time to allow someone else to be that friend for you.
Laugh
Laughter truly is great medicine. It feels good and if you can really laugh until your belly aches and tears roll down your cheeks, it’s a lovely feeling. It releases good stuff in your body and like milk, does a body good. Look at old pictures. Watch a funny movie. Spend time with someone who always makes you laugh. It’s a great stress reliever!
Purge the Poison
Life is stressful enough. Agreed? Allowing toxic people and relationships to fester in your life makes things much more stressful, chaotic, and downright unhealthy. I’m not saying if you have a toxic family member who enjoys serving up drama, that you should cut them out like a wart. But what I am saying is that you have to set boundaries, boundaries, boundaries. You can’t allow their penchant for drama, anger, bitterness, narcissism or whatever afflicts them to ooze over into your life. Be strong in your decision not to get sucked into their drama. You have to take care of yourself and drama and strife will indeed take a toll on your health. While reading this, did someone specific come to mind? Someone who tends to upset the apple cart and maybe enjoy the attention it brings? It’s okay not to participate. Set healthy boundaries for you and your family. Pray for the person who sprang to mind. They need it.
Treat Yourself
You know how good it feels when you get a new pair of shoes? Or a new lipstick? A new book you’ve been so wanting to read? A brand new shirt or inexpensive necklace in a bright color can make you feel brand new as well. When you’re feeling stressed or just gloomy, do whatever your budget allows to give yourself a little pick-me-up. It can be as inexpensive as the pastry you’ve noticed more than once when you walked past the bakery. Or the new sandwich offered at your favorite cafe. Or a lipstick or home hair treatment. A little indulgence can go a long way to making you feel rejuvenated.
Keep a good perspective about what really needs to be completed right now. If it can wait until your schedule is more free, let it wait. Stress and chaos serve no good purpose. Stress can even cause weight gain (!) because of increased cortisol levels. Take deep breaths, relax, prioritize, and count your blessings. You will get through this.
