Home General Info & Awareness National Stress Awareness Month [ April 2019 ]

National Stress Awareness Month [ April 2019 ]

by InvisiblyMe
A pinky purple background going to black at the bottom, with pink blossom tree branches stretching over from the right. The post title is overlaid : Stress Awareness Month April 2019.

Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month, and I felt it was important to write about it because stress will affect all us of from time to time. Whether you’re dealing with chronic/invisible illness, mental and/or physical, or not, it can have a marked impact on life. For some, it becomes an overwhelming, regular occurrence.

I’m not sure I could possibly be more aware of stress. I’m a chronic over-thinker, and ironically enough for Stress Awareness Month, my anxiety & stress levels have been through the roof recently.

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies, and I’m a hypocrite who struggles to take my own advice. Sound familiar?


Stress : From Useful To Disastrous

Far from its evolutionary uses, stress, worry and anxiety have all gone from being useful tools for survival, to banes of our existence that can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health. Some stress can be a good thing for many, giving us a boost of motivation and energy. Too much can tip us the other way, leading to a loop effect of negativity and exhaustion that leaves us constantly on edge and burnt out.

Stress & anxiety can arise from a combination of various factors. While there is often an event/issue you can pinpoint as being a trigger for stress, there isn’t always. Other mental health issues, chronic illness & chronic pain, chemical imbalances, vitamin & mineral deficiencies, life events & situations, and our actual thoughts themselves can all contribute to anxiety and impact how effectively we manage stress.

A black and white shot of a woman head down and screaming, hands raised to her face.

I hate to say it, but in our society these days stress is almost seen as a goal, that if you’re stressed it means you’re working hard and the implication is that if you’re not stressed that you’re slacking. I’m in the UK, and I’ve noticed this quite a lot. In one job I had, everyone was stressed to the max and even a break for a wee seemed to be frowned upon; stress was like a requirement of the job.

It flies in the face of campaigns to reduce stress, and yet I feel there’s still some underlying, maybe socially subconscious, stigma about it. It feeds in to how many of us feel guilty if we’re not productive, feel guilty if we lose our jobs due to ill health, feel useless if we’re not busy and achieving. We berate ourselves, feel lousy about ourselves, get more stressed and burnt out and we suffer in this endless cycle for nothing.


Tips For Managing Stress & Anxiety

There are many well worn tips and techniques for dealing with stress and reducing it. Sometimes, they’re all easier said than done. Exercise, eat a balanced diet, get more sleep, meditate, essential oils. I don’t want to rehash the same ground, even though these points can all be really important and useful. And we all know how stress can further impact physical health, too.

Here are a few other ideas I’d like to add :

Check Your Meds

It’s worth considering what effect your meds are having, as many can have side-effects on mental health that we don’t associate with being with the medication. Many common medications, from pain meds to the pill for us ladies, can affect patients in terms of anxiety, depression or general irritability. Have you noticed any patterns since taking any of your meds? Do you think any need adjusting? Speak to your GP if you have any queries or concerns. Likewise, if you take anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications but don’t feel they’re having the desired effect, raise the issue with your doctor, don’t suffer in silence. 

Pink and blue pills.

Declutter Your Space

β€˜A tidy home is a tidy mind’, or so the saying goes. I do think there’s truth to this, because seeing mess or piles of paperwork / laundry / general junk you need to get through can negatively impact your sense of calm and clarity. 

Get An Up-To-Date Blood Test

Various deficiencies and imbalances, such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, thyroid issues, hormones, and magnesium, can all play a role in stress and anxiety.

Re-evaluate What’s Important To You & What You Want

Social pressures & expectations can be a cause for much stress. We feel there are things we should be doing, things we should be achieving by certain points in our lives. These ideals and goals spread from work life, social life and how we spend our leisure time, to appearances and having children. Half the time we are chasing ideals, pushing ourselves and beating ourselves up for falling short, when these things aren’t even what we want. Just what we feel we should want. Make your own path & write your own story.

Take Photos

Get outside, go to a museum, ask your pet to pose, and grab a camera. Taking photos can be somewhat cathartic, and uplifting when you look through them afterwards. Even better is if you can get outside and enjoy nature, appreciating it as you capture it frozen in time through your photographs. 

A woman with a camera up taking pictures of a field.

Turn Up The Volume

Music can be a great soul-soother, whether that’s to help you work through negative emotions, perk up your energy or uplift your spirits with a dose of positive vibes. 

A Giggle A Day

Okay, so nothing really keeps the doctor away, but laughter really can be the best medicine sometimes. Joke books, stand up DVDs and comedy films are great, but so are random YouTube videos, memes, and the plethora of random jokes and funnies online. It’s amazing how cute cats and stupid clips can take your mind off things and reset your brain for a little while. 

Set Your Creativity Free & Engage Your Thoughts

Breathe, gently stretch, and do something to engage your thoughts. Sit with a hot chocolate and a good book or favourite TV show to absorb your thoughts for a while. Let loose with your creativity and it’ll give you an outlet for your stress, while hopefully boosting your mood and giving you a sense of enjoyable achievement; write, dance, create music, scrapbook, weave, knit, paint, colour, sketch, craft, whatever takes your fancy. Check out a few great adult colouring book recommendations here.

A range of colouring pencils pointing inwards to form a circle.

Read Up

Check out some self-help style books for motivation, inspiration, support and new ideas. I noted a few good reads earlier in the year in my post on life-changing reads & self-help books.

Wash It Off

When I’m going around in circles and feeling close to popping, I sometimes just jump in the shower. Not quite jump, more like amble. Hot water and delicious smelling scents can be as invigorating as they are calming for some temporary respite and to take the edge off your anxiety. 

Deal With Decisions

Indecision can be painful, leading to a loop that becomes increasingly difficult to break as even the smallest of things become a minefield. We get caught up on running through scenarios and wanting to make the β€˜right’ choice that we can’t decide one way or the other. It’s not the decision itself that’s the problem, it’s making it that causes the stress. Write down the pros and cons of the possible outcomes, hash it out with someone else, do you research, but put a limit on it.

If you’re caught in the trap of decisions on the small things – what to eat, what to wear, whether to go to the supermarket that day or not – take a deep breath and rip the band aid off quickly by making quicker, more confident choices. Notice how it feels to care a little less about the outcome, which often will be affected by various things outside of your control anyway.

Say No… And Yes

Be firm and say no when there’s something you don’t want to do, don’t feel up to doing, or know it’s not in your best interest. Put your needs first a little more often. But also start to say yes to a few things that you’d like to do but perhaps say no to for other reasons, like fear or uncertainty. Taking advantage of opportunities, no matter how small, can be liberating and ease a little frustration that comes from feeling like you are holding back in your life, which leads to more stress. 

Shift Your Perspective

I’ve written before about this but I do think it can make a difference. Try to shift your perspective a little by focusing on what you can do, not what you can’t do. We can feel increasingly frustrated and stressed when we feel we have no control, so take some control back. Look at the small things you can do, the manageable changes you can make, to live your best life with the body you have & the situation you’re in.

A colourful background of multicoloured roses, and in the foreground is a white box with the text : Focus on what you can do, not what you can't. The InvisiblyMe.com logo is to the bottom right.

My Personal Favourite Affirmation-With-A-Twist?

Put it in the FUCK IT BUCKET”.

When it’s all getting too overwhelming, I try to make light of it. It eases the weight of stress that’s sitting on your chest and puts it into perspective when you step outside of it for a moment. The whole ‘fuck it’ philosophy isn’t about being apathetic & not caring, it’s about choosing what deserves your care, stress & energy. It’s about learning what doesn’t and developing the strength to care less. Easier said than done.

For inspiration, I love books like F**k It by John C. Parkin and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson, which you can find more about here.

 β™₯

Stress Awareness Month : A Final Note

Remember, you have got through plenty of challenging times in the past, and you’ll get through now and all the tough times in the future, too. Step by step, moment by moment.

You are worth looking after, and you deserve the best life you can live, with the body you have and the situation you are in. Some things we have to visualise throwing in that fuck-it bucket because they’re just not worth it, especially not when we have limited energy as it is.

There are ways to adapt, adjust and accept, without letting stress tear you apart constantly.

Stress Awareness Month is a good time to take stock, reflect and look at our stress levels.

Do you have any thoughts on stress in general, or tips on how you manage it?

Caz  β™₯

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80 comments

Elaine April 18, 2019 - 4:15 pm

This is a brilliant post Caz and perfect for so many of us suffering stress/ anxiety/ illness . I definitely will be trying out your suggestions,.

Thank you
Elaine ????

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:29 pm

I’m glad you liked it, Elaine. Thanks for the comment & I hope you’re having a low-stress Easter weekend πŸ™‚
xx

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Darnell April 18, 2019 - 4:20 pm

Good suggestions for stress. I’ll take a small slice and put the rest in the bucket.
Thanks Caz

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:28 pm

Yep, everything else in the bucket! Glad you liked the ideas, and thanks for the comment. Have a lovely rest of your Easter weekend, Darnell =]

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John Rieber April 18, 2019 - 4:21 pm

A terrific article with so many great ways to “de-stress”….I agree that music is a great soul soother and as John Lennon said: “play it loud.”

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:28 pm

Wise words from Lennon. Glad you liked the post, John – thanks for the comment! I hope you’re having a relaxing, low-stress Easter weekend πŸ™‚

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jenna April 18, 2019 - 4:57 pm

great post! thanks for sharing

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:27 pm

I’m glad you liked it, thanks for the comment! =]

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Sandee April 18, 2019 - 5:21 pm

All great advice. I love the focus on what you can do and not what you can’t. We often worry about things that never happen or are less than we thought they would be.

Have a fabulous day, Caz. Big hug. β™₯

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:27 pm

You’re right, and our energy could be spared and used on more important things. Thanks for the comment – I hope you’re both having a lovely Easter weekend πŸ™‚
xx

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violaetcetera April 18, 2019 - 6:41 pm

Like you say, there are so many factors that can add to feeling stressed. Thanks for summing it up so nicely for us. And “Put it in the FUCK IT BUCKET” made me smile so big!

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:22 pm

I love the FuckIt Bucket – glad you do, too! Remember it’s always there to throw stresses into, Viola. I hope you’re having a lovely Easter weekend xx

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Jacqui Murray April 18, 2019 - 6:00 pm

It’s amazing how effective a giggle is. My husband always finds the humor in any situation. I will never release him if for that reason only!

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:24 pm

Some people do seem almost naturally tilted towards being able to see the light side, even if most of us have to dig to find the humour in something. He’s definitely a keeper! πŸ˜‰

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Ashley April 18, 2019 - 6:42 pm

I watch late-night comedy shows every day as a little bit of humorous self-care, and it’s a valuable part of my daily routine.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:22 pm

A good inclusion for your daily self-care! x

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Ruth April 18, 2019 - 6:43 pm

What a great post Caz. Many years ago I decided to reduce stress in my life. Probably the most important thing for me was learning to say “No”. We tend to feel obligated to be and do everything for everyone. So learning to say “No” is a tough one. Once I started practicing I found it very empowering.
The other one that we practice is the “Bucket of Fuckit” or as my husband says take a couple of “fuck- it- alls” (his favorite prescription) LOL!

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:18 pm

You’re right about how empowering ‘no’ can be. I’m glad you’ve started practicing that, too, as the weight of obligations can be very heavy. ‘Bucket of Fuckit’ and a prescription of ‘fuck-it-alls’ – these are brilliant! You & your hubby on the same page as me with the fuck-it-ness πŸ˜‰
Thanks for the great comment, Ruth! xx

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George Rector April 18, 2019 - 7:27 pm

Caz, this is so good. You described what I feel when getting behind in reading or writing. The very things I do to reduce stress become stressful. Clutter bothers me, too. We are working on clutter. Things are “leaving,” clothes we don’t wear are “leaving,” and every trip to the donation center makes our home more comfortable.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 4:55 pm

I’m sorry you know the feeling all too well, George, but I’m glad the post resonated with you, and thank you for the great comment. I think you’ve got a good approach with the piecemeal, bit-by-bit method, and it does make things feel more comfortable and refreshed when clutter gets reduced. Good luck with it, George! Wishing you a lovely Easter weekend πŸ™‚

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B April 18, 2019 - 7:37 pm

This is interesting. April is Stress Awareness Month and Poetry Month.
I say, read more poetry to fight stress.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 4:39 pm

A very apt coincidence, more poetry & less stress! x

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Despite Pain April 18, 2019 - 8:05 pm

Caz, this is a brilliant, so down to earth post about stress. I don’t know anyone who isn’t affected by stress at times. Even the calmest people must suffer from it at times. I often cope with big issues, but silly small things get to me. I find breathing exercises and watching a funny tv show like Only Fools and Horses helps me. I love all your tips. Especially that bucket!! I will be using that in future.

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Despite Pain April 21, 2019 - 7:44 am

By the way, I’ve nominated you for the Disabled Blogger Award https://despitepain.com/2019/04/21/disability-blogger-award-by-chronillicles/

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:06 pm

Ooooo! I saw the email notification for your post but I’m only just getting around to doing stuff this afternoon – the past 24hrs have been a total wipeout in bed. Typical as the sun has finally made an appearance! Thank you so much for the nomination Β β™₯Β β™₯

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Melinda April 18, 2019 - 8:06 pm

Stress impacts our life badly by creating more inflammation in the body which causes more pain. I had my Lyme doctor beat this in my head because it’s hard not to stress when you think your dying and your husband is going to get sick of taking care of you. I obsessed over how much time he took off from work, the money we had to spend to keep me alive, it went on and on. Now that I survived it’s a little easier to my stress intact.
Perfect topic, we could read every day to make sure we are aware of our stress level.
Have a great day. πŸ™‚

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 4:38 pm

I can only imagine how tough that point in your life would have been, and you’re right about the increased inflammation and the cycle that creates with more exhaustion, more pain. I agree, we probably should be reading and thinking about stress-management more so we can be on top of our own stress levels more regularly. Thanks for the great comment, Melinda, it’s much appreciated! Β β™₯ xx

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Liz April 18, 2019 - 8:23 pm

I like the fuck it bucket. πŸ™‚ Yes, decluttering I totally agree on and keeping it clutter free from the moment you have done that to continue the benefits from it. Your other suggestions I like, or have done some.
Also, I find watching DVD’s. Nothing in particular, although laughable ones do give extra benefits, but I have found that I have really been watching a lot of DVD’s, which I feel have been my new escape, like a book would do.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 4:05 pm

Great to hear you’re a fan of the Fuck It Bucket too! πŸ˜‰
DVDs I agree with, if I can concentrate enough without my mind wandering. You’re right, DVDs/TV series/books make for a great escape for our brains. Thanks, Liz. Hope you’re having a lovely Easter weekend xx

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Alice April 18, 2019 - 8:42 pm

I had to make a decision 3 years ago to leave a stessfil job that started affecting my health. Just wish I’d have left sooner before it started making me sick.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 4:03 pm

It’s a hard decision to make, even when you’re sure it’ll be for the best for your mental & physical health. I’m glad you made that decision, it was the right one! x

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Kim April 18, 2019 - 10:26 pm

Nice job. I loved this post! The bucket all of it! I have to come back and take notes . Seriously, on a downward spiral this afternoon. Cog fog rollin in! I WILL be back! I wonder if I could reblog this?

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:59 pm

Cog fog is a bummer. To say the least. I actually missed a good 24 hours (just coming around this afternoon) in bed feeling like the life was literally draining out of me; my mother seemed concerned enough to wonder whether I should go to hospital as I couldn’t get out of bed and literally had to crawl to the bathroom. Hugely pissed off that the sunshine makes a rare appearance & I feel like I’m dying. These sorts of times, where cog fog is high and my body is wrecked I actually don’t have the capacity to stress! No pressure to come back to this post or do anything on your to-do list until you’re feeling up to it, Kim. I do hope you’re feeling a little brighter though. Hugs to you lovely xx

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Heather and Dizzy April 18, 2019 - 10:06 pm

This is brilliant, and I am definitely going to be trying some of these out. πŸ™‚ xx

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 5:59 pm

Glad you liked the ideas, thanks Heather! Hope you, Dizzy & co are having a lovely long Easter weekend πŸ™‚
xx

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Karen April 18, 2019 - 10:19 pm

Great post, I know exactly what you mean about the expectation of work stress… it’s like if you aren’t stressed then you aren’t working hard enough. Society and ourselves can pile on the pressure about work, about family and life in general. We almost aren’t permitted any downtime, life has to be lived at breakneck speed with no pause button. But it is for us, the individual, to challenge this and treat ourselves properly… chuck as much stuff in the f-it bucket as you can and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Take care Caz xxx

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 6:02 pm

It’s awful isn’t it, that lack of stress at work is like a sign of failure & simply not working hard enough. You’re right, it’s up to us to challenge the notions and do what’s right for ourselves. Thanks for the great comment, Karen! I hope you’re having a lovely long Easter weekend ????

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Quirky Girl April 19, 2019 - 12:41 am

De-stressing is hardly a strong point of mine, but it is certainly a (constant) goal. Thanks for the great tips! ????

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:51 pm

Not a strong point of mine either – let’s see it as a constant work-in-progress and remind ourselves more often to reduce stress & take breaks from it all when needed! Glad you liked the tips – Hope you and Bigly are having a lovely weekend =]

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Aixa April 19, 2019 - 1:18 am

These are important tips. Most of my stress comes from my family trapped in Venezuela ???? The best therapy for me is getting out of the house and into the world.

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Aixa April 19, 2019 - 1:28 am

These are important tips. Most of my stress comes from my family trapped in Venezuela ???? The best therapy for me is getting out of the house and into the world.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:48 pm

There are lots of things that can cause stress that we can’t necessarily control or do anything about, and it’s hard to accept that and manage how it makes us feel. Like with your family being in Venezuela, I’m so sorry. I can only imagine how difficult that is. Getting out ‘into the world’, I like that; more connection, a little invigoration, to distract and soothe stress and worries. Thank you for sharing, Aixa Β β™₯

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Masha Ellman April 19, 2019 - 4:52 am

We get so caught up in things we feel we have to do and should do that we forget that we’re human, and sometimes our human part needs a little loving tender care. We can’t be the same every day and we need a brake from everything. And “hypocrite who struggles to take my own advice. Sound familiar?” it happens to me too and when I realize what I’m doing I just stop, try to forgive myself for not following my own advise and I let it go out of me, and just go on from here.
Thank you for sharing this article it has some very good advise. I hope by now you’re over being stressed, sending you love, light and blessings. <3

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:46 pm

You’re right, we do tend to forget ourselves & that we need a break. That’s a good point about noticing when you’re not taking your own advice, and forgiving yourself for it, rather than berating yourself further. I’m really glad you liked the post, and thank you for the wonderful comment, Masha. I hope the weekend is treating you kindly πŸ™‚
xx

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Mary Mangee April 19, 2019 - 11:05 am

You’ve hit the nail on the head. These are excellent tips and I especially like the fuck-it bucket. I’m going to get myself one and share it with all my friends. You are awesome. Thanks so much for this inspiring post.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:32 pm

Yes, let’s pass the Fuck It Bucket around & share the happiness! I’m so glad you liked the post, thanks Mary. I hope you’re having a lovely Easter weekend break Β β™₯

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Michelle April 19, 2019 - 6:08 pm

This is such a good post with a lot of great tips! Clutter always stresses me out. It makes me want to get right back in bed! I have noticed that if I’m stressed watching funny animal videos always helps. πŸ™‚ To help with stress I take a walk outside or read a good book.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:31 pm

I think the more clutter builds up the worse it gets when it’s so off-putting to tackle it, too. I hope you’re enjoying yourself some funny clips & de-stressing activities this Easter weekend, Michelle! xx

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da-AL April 19, 2019 - 10:57 pm

stress month? should be stress year, no? love these tips, especially that it’s a list of what works for you rather than the stale ones that’re so often shared but not practicaly

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:20 pm

Exactly right, stress year! I’m glad you liked the tips, I think it’s important to branch out with new ideas and try different things because what works for one person won’t work for another. Thanks for the comment lovely. I hope you’re having a good Easter weekend =]

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Wendy April 20, 2019 - 2:19 am

You have such a tremendous spirit, my friend. I love the term ‘fuck bucket’! I know what you mean about giving advice much more easily than taking it. Very human. Hope you’re in at least a little less pain these days. xo Wendy

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 3:08 pm

You’re right, it is a very human thing for us to struggling taking our own advice. I’m glad you like the ‘fuck it bucket’ too! πŸ˜‰
Thank you for your lovely comment, Wendy – I hope you’re having a lovely Easter weekend break Β β™₯
xx

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Christy B April 20, 2019 - 6:36 pm

I’m glad you included music. Sometimes just turning up the volume on Tom Petty’s Free Falling helps me.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 1:46 pm

I love that track, too! x

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Betsy April 20, 2019 - 9:02 pm

Great advice here.

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 1:47 pm

Thank you, I’m glad you thought so. Hope you’re having a lovely Easter weekend, Betsy πŸ™‚
x

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salah April 21, 2019 - 2:20 pm

???? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???????? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???????? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???????? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ????Frohe Ostern ???? ???? ???? ????

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 2:59 pm

Thank you – Frohe Ostern / Happy Easter to you too! ????

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Coralle April 21, 2019 - 5:37 pm

You wrote this post at a time when I really needed it. I have reasons to feel stressed every day and it really gets to me, but your words really resonate with me. I need to enjoy the little things more I think and get outside on the days where I can. I’ll come back to this post when I need reminding.

Coralle xx

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InvisiblyMe April 21, 2019 - 6:05 pm

I’m sorry you know the weight of stress all too well, but I’m glad the post resonated. It’s good to have reminders to prioritise our own well-being, to let go of a little stress before it builds up & overwhelms us. Thank you for the great comment, Coralle – I hope you can find some distractions, peace & enjoyment over the Easter weekend to give your brain a break ????
xx

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Natalie- Surviving Life's Hurdles April 21, 2019 - 8:37 pm

Lots of fantastic suggestions Caz! Stress management is something I’m always working on. It definitely has a massive impact on my MS. I find meditation and yoga help a lot but I have a long way to go still! Xx

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InvisiblyMe April 22, 2019 - 2:23 pm

I think maybe most of us should see it as a constant work-in-progress, but every little helps (or so Tesco says) πŸ˜‰
Thanks for the comment, Nat! I hope you are keeping well & enjoying the Easter break. Hopefully you’re taking time to chill a little before the little one arrives πŸ˜€
xx

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Michele Anderson April 21, 2019 - 9:27 pm

Good post Caz. Stress is a real killer and can sneak up on us. It’s always been a part of my life and hard to deal with. Thank you for all the ideas on handling it.

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InvisiblyMe April 22, 2019 - 2:20 pm

I’m sorry you know the difficulties with stress all too well yourself, but I’m glad at least you could ‘get’ the post & I hope the ideas help spark a little change of perspective for you. Easier said than done… I’m a huge hypocrite in that respect! Thanks for the comment – I hope you have a lovely week ahead πŸ™‚
xx

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Carolyn Page April 21, 2019 - 11:59 pm

That was a super read, Caz; loved it!
And I especially loved your favourite tip. When all is said and done – What does it matter? A little rest and recreation, a good read, a good cuppa and a chat does wonders…
xoxoxo

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InvisiblyMe April 22, 2019 - 2:17 pm

I’m so glad you liked it, Carolyn! You’re right, when looking at the big picture, what does it all matter? Those things, the simple pleasures to enjoy, definitely can work wonders. Thanks for the great comment Β β™₯
xx

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Nisha April 24, 2019 - 6:12 pm

I love this post Caz. You have detailed and compiled the tips so brilliantly. I love that you mention photography as it does help me at least , so does sketching , cleaning, music and all of the points you mention.I will definitely keep in mind to shop for the books you mentioned.as I love reading too although I haven’t lately done too much of it.. Thank you so much for this fantastic post!

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InvisiblyMe April 24, 2019 - 7:42 pm

I’m so glad you liked the post, Nisha – thank you for such a lovely comment! I hope you do find some time soon to enjoy a little more reading when you can, and it’s great you already find benefit in creativity, photography, music etc πŸ™‚
xx

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Alyssa April 26, 2019 - 9:47 pm

Thank you so much for this brilliant post Caz! I definitely battle with stress issues daily and it is so hard for me to control it. My husband gives me a hard time by telling me the things I stress about are ridiculous. He might be correct, but I have been this way my entire life. I really appreciate the tips you have shared and I promise to try my best to use your great tips!!

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InvisiblyMe April 27, 2019 - 2:09 pm

I know you seem quite similar to me with the stress monster. I’m sorry you know how difficult it is, I wouldn’t wish it on y worst enemy. I see dealing with stress, and high anxiety, as a constant work-in-progress. It’s hard for others, like your husband, to really ‘get’ it because what we’re thinking about may seem irrational or silly on the outside, but it’s a big deal for us that seems almost impossible to stop. Don’t be too hard on yourself about it, you do the best you can & heck you already have a lot on your plate with health & work & other life jazz, so it’s not surprising stress is a challenge. Thank you for the comment. Sending hugs your way Β β™₯ xx

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Kymber Hawke April 27, 2019 - 1:14 pm

This is an awesome, and useful post! Thank you, Caz. xo

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InvisiblyMe April 27, 2019 - 2:07 pm

Aw I’m really glad you liked it, thanks Kymber! Β β™₯

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smilecalm April 28, 2019 - 1:53 am

wonderfully
de stressing πŸ™‚

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InvisiblyMe April 28, 2019 - 11:26 am

Hurrah, de-stressing is what I like to hear πŸ™‚

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Sai May 1, 2019 - 1:52 pm

Lot o info – but really, the more we have the awareness of stress, the more we get stress.
Perhaps in this one line we can lead a stress free life:
Count the blessing around us and feel contended in life πŸ™‚

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InvisiblyMe May 1, 2019 - 2:56 pm

An interesting way to look at it, that the more we’re aware of it the more we get stressed. I do think that awareness is needed though in identifying firstly that we’re struggling, what’s causing the stress, and ways to reduce it. I love how you’ve summed it up with counting the blessings and working on feeling contented. Thank you for the comment πŸ™‚

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Tamara May 8, 2019 - 6:34 pm

Ya, for sure… stress. All year long. Thank you for sharing that I am not alone, Caz. That’s half the battle, there. Enjoyed this post! ❀️????

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InvisiblyMe May 9, 2019 - 3:25 pm

Sorry you know the incessant nature of stress all too well. You’re definitely not alone, even when you may feel like you are. We’re in this together, and I think you deserve to let a little stress go to enjoy your life without it weighing you down all the time ❀️
Thanks for the comment, glad you liked the post! xx

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Diana Peach May 8, 2019 - 7:05 pm

This is a great list. I’m particularly partial to decluttering because it’s so hard for me (I have zero closets). So, I’m grateful for every reminder. I grab a box and wander the house with a trip to Goodwill in mind. I’m going to do that right now!

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InvisiblyMe May 9, 2019 - 3:23 pm

Another decluttering fan, hurrah. There’s something quite cathartic about it. Glad the post gave you a little reminder to do a mini spring clean πŸ˜‰
Thanks for the comment, Diana, it’s much appreciated πŸ™‚
xx

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