Ways to Relieve Stress

I am not 21 anymore. Another year older and I'd like to think a little bit wiser. I am not saying that I have it all figured out, because I'm not even close, but I have learned a lot from my life experiences. I know who I am and what I want in life, now the issue is following through on the changes I want to make.

One of the big things I have come to admit about myself is that I am prone to stress. I am not kidding when I say that they way stress affects me is not normal. It destroys me. Now that I have come to terms with that I have found new and different ways of dealing with it. If I hadn't, someone might have had no other choice but to check me into the loony bin.

1. Reading: I have loved to read since I was born. This is not a new development. It has always been a way for me to relax and get away from reality. It is something I always made time for no matter how busy I was with school, work, etc. I always had a book that I was reading for the pure enjoyment of it. I will never quit that habit. It was instilled in me since birth.

2. Bath & Bodyworks: I was never one to believe in the power of aromatherapy until the end of 2011. I was student teaching which is the ultimate definition of stress. I had this stress relief soap from Bath & Bodyworks that I didn't really think much of until I realized how much better I felt after smelling it. It really did relax me. So over the course of a few months I have a candle, lotion, body scrub, body wash & foam bath, shampoo and conditioner. I am so serious when I say that spending all that money on those products is so worth it. I even have backups for when I run out.

3. Routines: When you are younger you go to bed late and don't bother to wash your face. You wake up late for school and don't take time to eat breakfast or moisturizer. Having a routine makes everything go more smoothly and makes you feel better. I am not perfect at this by any means but I am making an effort. I realize how important it is now.

4. Yoga: I started going to classes at my university. I think it's great for overall wellness. It stretches your muscles, relaxes you, and even helps with weight loss. I am working hard to make this part of my daly routine. Slowly but surely I am getting into it. I have done it once since the new year started. I have a DVD and a mat. I just need to start doing it daily.

All of these things will help me when I get a teaching job and the stress really kicks in.

Oh and I almost forgot the most important thing: PRAYER!

Prayer helped me get 3 subbing jobs in the next few weeks. I also just applied for teaching positions in South Carolina so we'll see what happens.