Breeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeathe

If you know anything about me, anything at all, you probably have picked up on the concept that I am prone to stress overload. Big time. And if you've read any of my blogs or know me in person, you probably also know that I'm not exactly prone to popping a Xanax. I've done the Pill Path and it was dark and awful. Lotsa potholes. So in my years of stress combat, I have learned one or two things that help me beat down the awful monster known as stress.

1) Yes. We've done this road before. We're gonna do it again. It's called Stress Away, and sometimes I wonder if it's the reason my husband and son are still alive. It's an essential oil blend from Young Living, although I think DoTerra has something similar to the concept called PastTense; they don't use the same blend. If you have a preferred company or blend, go for it; I just happen to use Young Living oils, most of the time. When I have moments that J is being THAT kid in the store, or being a bit of a butthead at home, or I just have too much on my plate, I'll put a drop on my hand, rub it on my temples and then smell my hands. Mmm. So good. It smells amazing and even knowing that I did it helps me calm down until the oil itself takes effect.

2) Yep. Gone down this one too. Confianza from It Works! Global has done such wonders for my tension level, and my ability to control my responses, especially with J, because, let's face it, he can often be my worst aggravator. It's conceivable to take several "doses" throughout the day, but I've found that if I take 2 in the morning before the day begins and gets crazy, I can usually handle whatever comes my way. I also notice that even if I forget a day or two, the calm keeps on keeping on. Going too many days without isn't such a good idea for me, though.

3) Coloring. Yeah! I love coloring. And I don't like sharing my coloring books. I was an only child; what can I say? There's something therapeutic about making something pretty with those delicious smelling crayons, especially if they're brand new. Concentration on coloring, staying in the lines, making something to be proud of...it tends to wipe the mind of whatever chaos is going on, or at least give you some time to calm down from the immediacy of it and get a new perspective. They make adult coloring books now; at Barnes & Noble today, I saw several different types of designs of coloring books, and yes, I bought one, Celtic Designs. Because, you know, I heart Ireland. Now I need to find the perfect coloring utensils, because G's crayons aren't in the greatest shape for a mommy that needs to destress. The picture isn't my book, obvs, but it's a great example. Also, if you Google "adult coloring books" for cheap ways to color, make sure kids aren't around. Come to think of it, maybe I should have been smarter about my wording. >.>

4) Baths. Whether you're into bubbles or epsom salt or oils, baths have a wonderful way of melting stress and tension away. Long has it been that my go to for relaxation is the tub, often complete with Enya, oils, a snack, and either wine or tea. And candles. Turn off those awful lights, light up a few candles, make the bath water smell good, and enjoy some peaceful music! Plus, ya know, cleanliness is a good thing...

5) Get away from it. There are times when the stress is so overwhelming that I simply can't be in the same zone as the source. So, as long as my mommy duties are either discharged for a bit, or there is a reliable person to watch J, I will get in my MommyMobile, roll the windows down, pump up my favorite music, and drive somewhere. Anywhere. Sometimes I stop, park, cry it out and enjoy the peaceful time to vent my frustrations, and sometimes I get myself a small, no-doubt unhealthy treat to take my mind off of whatever is going on. Driving feels good to me; I love road trips, so even a quick trip away from stress is wonderful. (This wonderful picture does not feature my own dog, Apollo, but they seem to be the same breed, so I liked it. Maybe someday I'll introduce you to the tornado counterpart to J, that is Apollo.)

6) Wine. Yeah. I like wine. It's not good to rely solely on alcohol to take away tension, because if overdone it can cause some poor choices (and goodness knows it does regularly), but sometimes settling down with a glass of your favorite wine and enjoying feeling like a big girl, even if you're sitting around in yoga pants with your hair in a mess and spilled food all over your torn shirt. 

Which brings me to 7) Yoga. Now, I personally have never done yoga, but I know some people who do, just for the stretches side of it, and I'm sure it's very calming. So if that's your thang, go for it, sista. The below picture is of a friend of mine through It Works, Kendra Darling. She's AMAZING at yoga. This is a picture of her doing the Fallen Angel pose, with her permission, of course. Thank you, Kendra!