Say Goodbye to Stress This Weekend!
Sara Gradinarska, Contributor @ Media x Women
Feeling stressed? We don’t blame you. Societal pressure to fit in, finding success in the workplace while trying to balance personal life can be hectic. However, it is important to remember that your physical health is a reflection of your mental health, and failing to take care of your well-being can be dangerous in the long term. From insomnia to hormonal breakouts, stress in various quantities can lead to loss of motivation and depression. So prioritize yourself this weekend with these few tested hacks and feel recharged, rejuvenated, and ready for another work week. Plus, you won’t have to break the bank for any of these:
Stay away from your screens
We know it’s hard to pull away from your work email and Google Calendar when you’ve got a lot of work to do, but “logging off” of your work device can feel as freeing as a walk in the park, even if just for a few hours. And no, using this free time to browse Instagram or mindlessly scroll through TikTok isn’t going to cut it either. You have to put all devices on “Do Not Disturb” and focus on things you enjoy doing unrelated to technology. That could be taking up a new hobby (sewing, painting) or starting that book you bought a few months ago and never really opened after. Trust us, you will feel the difference.
Start Journaling (Yes it really helps)
Whether it’s organizing your upcoming week or doodling during a work meeting, journaling and having a physical planner relieves you of the stress of having to remember your upcoming tasks. Putting your thoughts on paper can put your mind at ease and allow you to map out your tasks based on priority or deadline. If you are a devoted fan of Google calendar the switch to paper planning may be daunting, but there is proven merit to getting your thoughts out on paper. Plus, you can choose a style that suits your personality and motivates you to stay focused, all while curbing anxiety and emptying any racing thoughts.
Emphasize getting good sleep
One of the side effects of stress is trouble sleeping. You feel tired all day but once you get in bed for the night, you lay wide awake and start thinking about your past life choices and mistakes. Unwinding before bed is essential to combat this: turning on an air humidifier, doing a facemask, dimming the lights and turning off screens all help you settle in for the night and basically trick your body into thinking it is bedtime. Keeping a consistent bedtime schedule will help improve your mood, productivity and overall concentration.
Invest in a weighted blanket
Hear us out: life-changing! As a follow-up to the last tip, a weighted blanket will up your sleep game, help you sleep longer and feel more rested. There are studies that suggest it helps with anxiety, body tension and muscle aches, plus looks great as a bedroom accessory during the day. There are pricier options as well as Amazon dupes that can do the trick just the same. Sweet dreams!