Things to do when stressed

Living in a fast-paced city with a day job and dealing with the everyday traffic not to mention the deadlines at work that you have to beat can get really stressful. It can be so draining that after a few hours of sleep at night, you’ll still find yourself waking up tired and grumpy.

Lately, I have been feeling stressed and it gets to a higher level each day. Thankfully, I kind of get the hang of it and turn my stress into something that would give me positive vibes.

In this post, I will share the things that I do to help me go about my stressful days. Check them out and let me know what’s on your lists too!

1. Write on a journal

My mind can get so clouded because I tend to think of a lot of things and it can get tiring. To help me organize my thoughts and release them, I write them down on my journal. It is an important part of my self-care and really helps in unloading the weight off my shoulders. You’ll be surprised on how relieving it could feel.

2. Spend time with my loved ones

Spending time with the people I love or people who are just naturally fun to be with lessens the stress i’m feeling. It is a breather for my chaotic mind.

3. Treat myself to something I love and enjoy

If I have been going through a stressful day and survived it, I treat myself to my favorite dessert or a massage.

4. Breathe

When I sense that things are getting out of hand, I step back, pause and go for a walk. Walking is therapeutic to me. That 10 mins of walk makes all the difference.

Stressful days won’t last and you do not have to burden yourself with it by drowning deeper to the stress that surrounds you. I also list down some things that you can do to relieve stress.

• Do stuff that feels good – You may enjoy reading a book or doing creative activity like painting or just having a social media detox.
• Eat foods that reduces stress – Chocolates and fruits are some of the foods that helps in relieving stress.
• Exercise and Yoga – Take even a few minutes of your day to dedicating to exercise. This will surely enhance your mood.
• Prepare for the morning the night before – choose the outfit you will be wearing, prepare the ingredients for the breakfast that you’ll cook or simply listing down your to-do list for the next morning helps a lot.
• Listen to your favorite tunes
• Call a friend
• Watch your favorite film
• Burn some candles or essential oils
• Squeeze a stress ball
• Reflect and pray

Remember that stress is non-essential and it is not adding value to our lives. However, it is a natural occurrence. You just have to know how to dim it down.

Manage yourself, take a break and set aside your worries.

I wish you stress-free days ahead! 🙂

The Joy List | Things that spark joy in my life

I have been a firm believer of how powerful the small things are. I kept repeating that there is beauty in the ordinary, mundane and in simplicity.

These small things are what comprise the bigger picture which we may not be aware of but they are the multiple chunks that bring the most joy to us.

To keep track of these simple things, I considered creating a joy list (inspired by Aileen Xu!) This is somewhat similar to the list of 5 greats wherein you list at least 5 great things that happened to you for the day. The joy list on the other hand is the list of things you can repeatedly do to bring you joy and uplift your mood.

My Joy List:

1. Going to the bookstore.

The bookstore is what I consider my safe haven. It instantly puts me in a good mood. I feel the pure joy just being surrounded by books.

2. Drinking coffee.

Sipping a good quality coffee on a slow morning where I do not have to rush to any meetings or do any task but to reflect on life gives me so much tranquility.

3. Completing my skin care routine.

This does not mean soap and cream, this is the complete 10-steps that I try so hard to follow. Lol. You know the things that feels so tiring when you think of doing but feels so fulfilling when you finally bust your ass off and do it? That’s how I feel with doing my full skincare routine.

4. Lighting a candle

I love scents and everything that smells good instantly relaxes me.

5. Doing my make-up

I have so much fun playing with make-up. I like experimenting with different colors. Make-up gives me more confidence and to me it is an artistic expression of myself.

6. Watching funny Youtube videos

When I feel so stressed, I like scrolling through Youtube and binge watching funny vlogs. These kind of videos make me laugh till my stomach hurts.

7. Laughing with friends

A simple chit-chat with my good friends and just laughing at ourselves is one of my pure joys. Having a good talk with a side of humor is what I really enjoy the most. Humor and jokes are really contagious and naturally brings joy that when you see your friends laughing, it feels like you are attracted to their vibe and it can instantly make you laugh too.

8. Eating a really good but cheap food

Finding delicious foods that does not break the bank is a gem. Street foods? Pastry in a kiosk? I’m in!

9. Watching the sunset

Sunsets are so dear to me. They calm me every time. I just love looking up and watching the majestic palette that the nature has. It never fails to left me at awe at its beauty. It’s my favorite thing in this entire world and I mean it. ❤

10. Going to the beach

My year wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beach. Sunset on a beach? That’s the ultimate combo for pure joy to me!

I have a lot more to list but this is just some of them to let you peek in. Always remember that joy can be found anywhere, even in the littlest of things, most especially in the littlest. I encourage you to list down the things that makes you feel most alive and find time to do it more often. It doesn’t matter how small or petty it is, as long as it makes you happy, do it.

I hope this sparks some inspiration in you to find joy in your lives.