Interrupt your stress habit

Tell me if you're even the least bit surprised by this:

Study after study shows that a growing majority of Americans suffer from stress.

...Not even a little shocked, am I right?

Do you ever feel like stress is your constant state of being? Like you've got resting stressed face?

When you've got so much on your plate, and so much to keep track of, it's easy to miss the signs that you are in need of some basic care.

Think about a toddler throwing a tantrum. Doesn't that kid probably need a basic need met, like food, or water, or sleep, or fresh air?

Adults aren't a different species. We, too, need those basic needs met, or our stress levels balloon and turn into stress monsters that follows us around.

Taking a moment to care for yourself will never threaten your to-do list. In fact, it will help.

Taking in deep, slow breaths increases the oxygen flow to your brain and increases mental clarity.

Getting enough water and exercise and laughing all help to lower your cortisol level and heart rate.

Touching grass with your bare feet has an amazing grounding quality.

Self-care might be an overused term that's lost some meaning, but the value is all about doing something for you, so that you can show up better for the people around you, for your hobbies and pets, and for that work presentation that's got you up all night.

Your care of choice does not need to be expensive or time-consuming.

A simple choice, like putting screens away before bed or stretching or getting outside, can have a major impact.

It can interrupt a neural pathway that's trying to convince you it's stress o'clock and you need to be at a 10 right now. Self-care in that moment is a choice that says, "No it's not! It's 8:03 and it's time to stretch, get some water, and take a five minute walk."

So, prioritize your wellbeing. Pattern interrupt. Make it a habit. And, notice the changes to your outlook, body language, and overall behavior. 

Here is a list of some easy ways to start caring for YOU. And, good news - they're free!

• Move! Walk, run, dance, stretch, yoga, bike ride - whatever you enjoy the most 

• Meditate - try this one here!

• Journal

• Finally clean out that closet you've been avoiding

• Scheduling time to talk to a close friend

• Immerse yourself in a creative activity - painting, baking, singing, or going to a museum to take in the beautiful art

• Read before bed instead of watching TV or playing a phone game

Anything you'd add to this list?