BREATHE GIRL. JUST BREATHE

Sometimes I have to remind myself to do exactly this. To stop for a second and let myself catch up. Do you ever feel like you rush too much? Or think you can do more then you really can? That’s when reality smacks you in the face and reminds you that rest, breaks, and relaxing is important. I mean does rushing really get you closer to achieving what you're trying to achieve? Because for me it mostly just hinders my process.

I remember one morning when I was rushing to workout, get ready, go grocery shopping, make breakfast and then go to Jacobs house (before we were married!) all before a certain time. Along the way I left my phone at Woolworths and whilst looking for it in my driveway, I left my hand break off and crashed into the garage. My car was fine (thankfully) but I realised that my body was telling me something - and that was to just breathe for a second and allow myself to rest.

SO WHAT DOES REST / DE -STRESSING

LOOK LIKE PRACTICALLY?

Detox from Social Media:

Jacob and I made sure to take time off social media right before our wedding (the most stressful time of our lives). It was only adding to our stress and avoiding it/spending less time on it really helped! I also find that avoiding looking at my phone/social media for an hour or so before bed really allows my brain to switch off and aids my sleep.

Breathing Exercises

Perhaps this sounds odd however, breathing exercises can really be beneficial! Try taking a long and slow breath through your nose and holding it for three seconds. Now slowly exhale through pursed lips. Whilst performing this exercise, ensure that you have appropriate posture and your muscles are relaxed. Repeat this 5-10 times before bed or when you are feeling overwhelmed. To read more about breathing exercises visit this link.

Get some Exercise

Get outside and get some fresh air. Go for a walk or run or if you prefer, go to the gym or even workout at home! Their are tons of options for getting exercise. Choose the option that suits you best and helps you to calm down the most.

Do something you Love

Whether this is exercise, reading, watching a Netflix series or a creative hobby you might have, devote some time to engaging in the activities you love. Even if its for twenty minutes, some is better than none.

Spend time in Prayer, the Word & Worship

This is undoubtedly so important. In the moments where I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed, I am reminded of Psalm 46:10 and John 12:27.

Psalm 46:10

‘Be still and know that I am God’

John 14:27 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you’

I know who God is yet sometimes I forget to let him take control and put my fears to ease. It’s one thing to read these verses and think about how lovely they sound, and another to meditate on what they really mean. Find a verse that speaks to you and the stress that you are feeling and meditate on it. Understand the context in which it was written to fully grasp what the writer was trying to convey and hence what God is speaking to you today.

Remember that is okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed but it is not a place you want to remain in. I hope these tips have helped you to understand that there are practical ways in which you can manage such emotions and feelings! xx