I don’t like whinging and whining (Ok, I do it a lot but I’m trying to curb the habit) but sometimes in life, we get stressed up to our eyeballs and we feel like our heads are about to explode. You don’t get that? Ah just me then 😛 Please tell me I’m not alone.
It could be a combination of various factors – work, life, relationships, family etc. I was experiencing a combination of factors and it had gotten so bad I was having trouble sleeping. When I did sleep, it wasn’t a restful sleep and I’d wake up feeling more tired than when I went to bed. I knew then that I had reached my breaking point. I wasn’t being productive in anything I did and it felt like everything was spiralling out of control. I could throw my hands up and crawl into a hole and never come out again, or I could take a break.
The thing about taking a break is this. It doesn’t have to be a holiday. All you need, is a break from your routine to remind yourself that YOU and your wellbeing are just as important as everything else. In fact, I’d highly recommend taking a work day off. Knowing you do not have to go to work when everyone else does lifts your spirits already 😀
I’d like to just share some tips I have because I just recovered from a very highly stressed period when I just felt highly strung all the time, and when nothing I did seemed to be productive at all. If you have your tips to share, please do. We can all benefit from learning from each other 🙂
Realising you need a break from your daily life
This is the most important thing of all. Often, we get so caught up in our daily lives – work, family, blogging (oh yeah!) – that we forget just how much we give ourselves to others without taking time for ourselves. I was feeling highly strung all the time, and nothing seemed to go right. I swear, the thing about the universe listening is very true. When you feel out of sorts and when your world seems to be wobbling on its axis, the universe only adds to that wobble.
What you need is to sit back, say “Stop!” and take a break. Not realising this can be detrimental for your physical and mental health. I was feeling out of sorts healthwise, tired all the time, and I’d be snapping at everyone. I sat back one day and said “Enough. I need a break and I’m taking the day off” and I did.
Take a day off
I know, its easier said than done for many of us, but do it anyway. The fact is, no one is indispensable. The sooner you realise this, the less you will raise yourself on your own pedestal. Of course, don’t go and run out in the middle of a crisis or in the middle of a project. Finish what you have to do and then take time out for yourself.
As I said above, I highly recommend taking a working day off. (Students, I do not recommend taking a school day off so this doesn’t apply to you 😛 ) Book your day off and I promise you, the minute you wake up in the morning with the realisation that you don’t have to go into work that day while everyone has to, will make you feel much better already 😀
Do something you love for yourself
So what do you do on your day off? Something you love. Don’t take the opportunity to run errands or finish up chores. This is a day for YOU. So do something fun, something you enjoy. Know what I did? I went to a theme park.
I’m an adrenaline junkie and I really needed to get the stress out of my system. So, I went to the nearest theme park we have, up in Genting Highlands – a local hilltop resort just about an hour away from KL. The rides were a little tame for me, but it was enough. I could vent my energy screaming my head off on all the big thrill rides (which I did on purpose) and when I wanted a little breather, I paddled a boat in the middle of a lake, allowing myself to drift along with the current.
It was, for me, therapeutic. My pent up energy went somewhere, I got my adrenaline pumping and importantly, I did something I thoroughly enjoyed and my disposition improved dramatically.
If you aren’t an adrenaline junkie as I am, then do something for yourself. Go hiking, book yourself into a spa, get a 3 hour massage, sit at a cafe and people watch all day. But do something for YOU.
Have something to look forward to
If you can’t take the day off immediately, schedule one in the near future. Plan a short holiday, a weekend away or even a nice meal out. Its easier to get through a rough stressful time when you have something to look forward to. A light at the end of the tunnel, as it were. It gives you hope, and something to look forward to, and that can sometimes be what helps you focus on completing what you have to do now, so you can get to that prize.
What I’ve realised after my short day off is that I feel much better. I am a little more productive and find it easier to focus on what I’m doing. I no longer feel overwhelmed all the time, and my world seems to be spinning properly again. No more wobbling on its axis. Its been good for the soul and I highly recommend it 😀
Have you experienced intense life stresses and how do you deal with it?
The most important thing I’ve learnt, is to realise that we aren’t infallible. Juggling our lives is like spinning plates. When they’re all spinning well, life’s a beach. But when they start to wobble, its all we can do to keep them all from falling down, and that places a lot of stress on us. In this situation, I like to hit what I call the “Pause” button. Take a short time out, do something for myself, re-energize and when I come back, things always work out better and the plates go on spinning happily 🙂
Paris B
p/s Picture No. 1 was taken up in Genting Highlands. London calls but she’ll have to wait her turn 🙂
liyeun says
April 2, 2013 at 8:39 amOk. You are NOT alone! Hahaha….. well I do take a day off to do what I love to do and for me, I either head to the swimming pool and swim swim swim or I go for karaoke sessions to sing my heart out. Hehehe….
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 3:33 pmOh, good to know I’m not! Swimming is a good idea – gets you channeling your stress and energy into other more healthy things, and helps you sleep better too 😀
Lily says
April 2, 2013 at 9:03 amI like to be alone when I’m stressed. I read light books, watch movies, sleep, just boring stuff like that. I find that alone time helps me find myself, my own footing, and it’s an important time for me.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 3:36 pm“Me” time is so important and I think many people may have missed that in this fast paced world. I read before bed and that is my mini me-time 🙂
rinnah says
April 2, 2013 at 9:06 amTheme park therapy eh? Maybe I should get myself that annual pass to Universal Studios that I’ve always wanted… 😉
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 3:37 pmHaha yes, do it! At least its not too far for you. Genting Highlands is a bit of a hassle getting to plus the rides are way too tame!
LeGeeque says
April 2, 2013 at 9:13 amGood for you! Sometimes I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have been taking some extended day offs to recuperate. I have been spending my time just reading,watching lots of TV, long walks with coco twice a day and long drives out to the country to taste wine and stock up on my wine cabinet. Have also had the chance to try lots of local winery restaurants specialising in using only local produce. I’m so much happier 🙂
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 3:45 pmExtended days off are way better than just a day or two so take the time you need to deal with the stress. Visting restaurants and wineries sound like an awesome time out – wish we had that option here! 😀
AnT says
April 2, 2013 at 9:19 amLOL You are not alone too! *five*
Having to work full time and studying part time truly can drain me a lot 🙁 I think I should take a day off, enjoy my breakfast at San Francisco coffee, play iPad games for a few hours, swim for few hours, take my sweet sweet time with late lunch, watch a movie at the cinema and have a good dinner! LOL! 😀
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:24 pmI don’t know how you do it but keep it up! I have never tried it and I guess I’m not ambitious enough to want to pursue any higher education 😛 Bad I know but yeah, I think I’ll laze about in my mediocrity LOL! That said, when I was a student aeons ago, taking a day off now and then helped my brain clear and helps me be more productive so yes, definitely take a day or two off and who knows, you may get a sudden brainwave! 😀
AnT says
April 4, 2013 at 10:00 pmLOL! It’s not about being ambitious though 😀
LOL! Aeons ago LOL! You have the fountain of lies within you 😀
Thanks dearie. I will definitely take a day or two off. Need the sudden brainwave with a little more motivation, tee hee~ 😀
xoxo
AnT says
April 4, 2013 at 10:04 pmeeeekssss… Sorry. Missed out the word “Youth” 😛
You have the fountain of youth lies within you 😀
Paris B says
April 8, 2013 at 4:22 pmahahahahaa for a moment I was like “I have a fountain of lies?” ermmmm hehe… but I understand you perfectly 😀
AnT says
April 9, 2013 at 1:16 pmOps! LOLL! 😀 Wise minds think alike 😀 “sometimes” 😛
synical says
April 2, 2013 at 9:37 amI’ve been known to take a mental health day or two in my time…
I just like saying “mental health day”.
Knowing that you don’t have to go to work does it for me.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:24 pmI like that – Mental Health Day. I think I’ll say it next time anyone asks 😀
Jesz says
April 2, 2013 at 9:43 amYou are not alone!
I’m experiencing this….feeling stressful & tired from everything, family, life, work, relationship…imagine this, I only manage to sleep 4-5 hrs a day (the most is 6 hrs), I could be rolling on the bed at 10pm yet still starring at the clock at 12am…yes, sleep disorder!
Finally, I tell myself ‘I must get away from all these, otherwise nothing gonna work for me anymore’….i’ve book a short holiday weeks away from now & i’m gonna go alone, have all the time for myself 😀 Hopefully, I’ll get myself recharged after the holiday. This is the very first time I’m gonna go on a holiday alone however I’m feeling excited and am looking forward! 😛
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:26 pmOh wow, it does sound like you need a break badly and its good to know you already have one planned! at least that’ll give you something to look forward to and hopefully when you get back, you’ll feel much better!
xin says
April 2, 2013 at 10:27 ami think i really need a day off right now, i even dream about work! it’s definitely a sign. i will probably just sit around and not do anything
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:27 pmI hope you got your day off! 😉
Hanny Daforcena says
April 2, 2013 at 10:36 amActually, when I’m stressed, I try to dress up better. IDK, it’s a little therapeutic for me, and although it makes me feel out of place dressing about… eh… semi-formal-ish when everyone in Uni wears T-shirts and shorts (my Uni does not have a dress code). It’s the little things that make you happy heh heh.
However, when I’m REALLY stressed out, I’d go on a “date” with myself. On these kinda days, I eat whatever I want and buy whatever I want. Of course, I don’t go crazy with the spending, but you get the idea 🙂
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:28 pmGood idea on making yourself look better. I reach the stage when I don’t even really want to dress up or put on makeup or anything at all. So you know I’ve hit rock bottom then! 😛 I actually don’t do the “spending spree” therapy – I find that I buy too much crap when I do that and then regret it after that! So what I do is set aside something I’d like to buy and then pick it up. That way, I get something I want and I don’t have to feel bad about buying crap 🙂
beetrice says
April 2, 2013 at 10:55 amYour post could not come at a more apt time! >.< I did take leave last week to make the most of the long weekend, but running around doing stuff…it didn't feel like time off – the only diff is I didn't have to go to work!
Will have to figure out something soon before I go completely bonkers!
Honey says
April 2, 2013 at 11:34 amYou are definitely not alone. It’s the world we live in now – nothing but stress, stress, and more stress! I just take the day off and chill, do nothing, sleep…..
However, it’s coming to a point that a little break is not enough! I think I need to go talk to a therapist…………!
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:34 pmYikes, you know what? Realising that you do need help or that you need to talk to someone to help you cope with the stress is another step to helping yourself! I hope you find it helpful. As you say, the stresses of our lives presently is worse than it was say 20 years ago. All this technology doesn’t help either so I like to take what I call a “technology detox” time out. Try it, it helps calm the mind too!
lemon says
April 2, 2013 at 12:00 pmHi,
I think having pets is a good way to destress. I like to play with my cats end of the day, quite fun in a way. As for a little break, yah, I like quiet time alone, catch a movie or facial and massage. Great way to relax.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:35 pmThat’s a good idea, Lemon! Pets are well known for being destressers and for helping people who have anxiety problems too. The problem is I can’t keep pets where I live and I’m not much of a fan of pets. I don’t mind them, I just don’t gel 🙁
Bugs says
April 2, 2013 at 12:12 pmYes ! I agree with Lemon. At my parent’s hse I play and ‘torture’ my cats by rubbing their belly and quickly move my hand away to avoid their sharp teeth… Hahaha so fun coz their fur is the softest there. But since I moved to KL, I don’t have my therapists here with me anymore. Sob sob.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:37 pmOh boo – time for you to pay more visits to your parents then! 😉 Pets are definitely a great way to help you relax because they are relatively undemanding right? I am not much of a pet person unfortunately – bad blogger I know, because every other blogger out there is a pet/dog fan! 😛
Nikki says
April 2, 2013 at 12:16 pmOh PB! Perfect timing, I am getting stressed out too with my due date nearing and with all those tests that I have to go through just to make sure everything is alright. Let’s not forget that I’m still working full time as the company can’t live without me (LOL!!! hahahah) Okay, that’s how I deal with things, trying to keep things light and make the situation into a funny one!
I love your first photo, sooo relaxed, I needed a break too! but my break would go around with walking a bit..and EATING! heheheh 😀
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:37 pmYou, my dear need to relax! Stress isn’t good for the baby and you probably should start looking into taking time off a week before baby arrives 😀 Can’t wait for you to share your news of baby’s arrival! 🙂
jk says
April 2, 2013 at 12:53 pmI totally agree with your tips (1), (2) and (3) which, to work would require applying tip (4). All 4 would have to be synchronized into one session for an effective de-stress-ing. Even if i have to take just 1/2 a day off – it’s a start. The “something to look forward to” bit – book ahead at the spa to get my regular masseuse for my 1 1/2 hours massage. During that 1 1/2 hours – hand phone on silent mode, zone out and end up zzz-ing.. Simple pleasures but it works for me.
But quite commonly, en route to even that 1/2 day off or week’s holiday – the stress builds up as I rush to clear the work before taking off. Sounds like a vicious cycle..
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:46 pmActually, you are right, JK which is why if I truly want to destress, I don’t do a long break but take something shorter like a day off. Even if its on a weekend, its a day just for you, and does help the disposition. Planning for longer breaks or further ahead means you put other pressures on yourself and taking time off has become a luxury for me! One more thing, if I plan a holiday, there’s always that snag of going to a foreign land and all the planning that comes before that – where to stay, what to do, where to eat… I swear, its more stressful than just staying home 😛
Catherine says
April 2, 2013 at 12:53 pmOh god, Im not the only one which feels happy going on roller coasters? 😀 My boyfriend hates them, starts to feel dizzy and Im usually laughing and being just soo excited afterwards.
When Im stressed sometimes doing some cardio will help, other times it will be an hour in bathtube with my iPad… Really depends of what kind of stress is it.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:47 pmOh yay! You are a fan of roller coasters too! 😀 They give me a real adrenaline rush that leaves me super high when I get off. I need to go on some of the bigger ones soon – its been a while since I’ve gone on a big exciting ride 😀
Sonia says
April 2, 2013 at 1:31 pmThanks Paris B for this wonderful and useful piece of advice and reminder to all readers.
When I realised I need a break from work and routine life, it was too late for me to get back on track with a day off and short/long holidays. By then, I discovered I have OCD (Obessive Compulsive Disorder). Nope, I was not born with OCD (confirmed by my doctor). Thanks God, luckily I am not in depression, which I think is more servere case than mine.
Yes, Paris, one must take a break or short holidays if one thinks s/he need it. But guys don’t take it for granted, on & off work day too often or take sudden break until you get fired. Haha…
Yes we should look after ourselves before taking care others.
Thanks again, Paris.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 4:49 pmHi Sonia, thank you for sharing your thoughts! You’re right, we should be careful with the time we take and not play truant too often especially at work. I’m sorry to hear about your OCD but its good that you have realised it and that you are seeing a doctor and its likely under control which is important too.
Efrain says
April 2, 2013 at 2:07 pmYou’re right PB (although as a student I have to wait until Friday to have my day off) and even sometimes you only need some hours but without worrying about work, family, etc.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 5:45 pmOh yes, never play truant from school (or from work, but work gives you a bit more leeway 😉 ) When I was a student, I’d sometimes take the afternoons off and go to a park and just walk around. It helps calm you down and helps you think better too.
Tammy says
April 2, 2013 at 4:06 pmYou are definitely not alone! Haha…..you’ve gone to London for a break!!!???? And I left London and went to Penang for a break! How funny is that!!!!
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 5:48 pmHaha I wish I could be in London for a break except it probably wouldn’t be much of a break because I’d be rushing all over the place trying to see, do, eat, buy everything at one go! LOL 😀
Jyoan says
April 2, 2013 at 5:16 pmCome to Singapore, I can join you on the USS Galactica ride, reverse bungee and more! haha, adrenaline junkie here too! Next stop for me to go for 15m cliff dive. =P Real bungee jump still on my bucket list.
Paris B says
April 4, 2013 at 5:50 pmAhhhh wouldn’t I love those! I definitely will need some adrenaline rushing rides at some point, and I’m making plans to go down to Singapore some time this year. I would love to go bungee jumping too but I want to do that in New Zealand. No plans to go yet, so that’s a bit of a damper on the idea LOL!