What Stresses Me and How I Overcome It

Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. 

As a mother we all understand stress comes in many forms and it never holds back in intensity when it comes around for visits – not to mention that we all handle stress differently. I’ve definitely had my fair share of stress ranging from becoming a first time mom, when to go back to work, juggling college and one kid, adding another baby to the mix, finishing my associates degree, etc. Life is a stress pot when it comes to me. Over the last year or so the biggest influencer on my stress has been school and balancing it with being a mom of two. I had figured out balancing college and one child but am I capable of balancing TWO kids and getting my degree?? I’ve finished my associates degree and now I’m working on my bachelors – it’s becoming extremely overwhelming. Assignments are more intense now that I’m in my bachelors program and stress has been knocking me on my ass lately. 

Over the years I have tried many different things to help overcome my stress and some work better than others. But like everything else what works for me may not work the same for you. I start with breathing techniques and they normally do the trick or at least lessen it by a lot. 

Sometimes I have to take myself away from the situation completely, look at it from a different standpoint, and focus on what’s really going on. Sometimes, in the moment, I over think situations and cause myself to be over stressed when it’s not actually that big of a deal. So, I’ll walk away, and think everything over, then come back to it when I’ve calmed down. 

If neither of those coping methods work, I jump in my car and drive – windows down and music blaring. It allows me to free my mind and start thinking freshly on the issues I’m having. Once I’ve completely cleared my mind I am able to revisit the issue and think on it calmly. Driving my car is a lot like walking away in terms of what it helps me accomplish but it’s much deeper than just walking away. I wish I knew a better way to describe it. 

When it comes to stress you just need to figure out a couple techniques that work for you and stick with them. When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed let it out, it’s okay to feel that way. Don’t hold it in, always talk it out.