Fake It Until You Make It

How do you deal with the stress in your life?

Do you eat / starve / get drunk / sleep / panic / cut / fuck / cry / lash out / shop / quit / or isolate?

Whatever you do; you are still here. Still functioning. Still coping. Still hoping. Still living.

Life.

It can really kick our ass sometimes.

We are constantly tested on our ability to survive the stresses of life. Some people figure out a system and thrive while others fall into the downward spiral of non-functionality.

I'd like to think that I fall into the middle somewhere. I've thrived. I've fallen. But I've always picked myself up and kept moving forward.

So here's the scoop. I'm kind of trying to be that coach/teacher/peer in high school that pulls you to the side and tells you that you are too good to be hanging with the crowd you've been hanging with. That you are too smart/attractive/talented and you can do better.

I'm here to tell you that there are better ways to deal with stress than what we we've been doing and it's less complicated than we think. You don't have to be miserable. You deserve better.

Now, this post could really go on and on about stress management so I'm going to keep it short and practical.

Rule 1: Put yourself first! You aren't going to be able to meet your potential as a Parent / Employee / Spouse / Friend until you have yourself put together. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT! This is also the most difficult step of stress management for most of us.

The 3 main takes you need to do to help you feel less stressed:

- GET YOUR SLEEP! I know this is difficult; especially for those of you that work an off-shift, but you need to make it a priority. Just like you set an alarm to get up for work, you need to set an alarm to shut things down. For example, at 9:00 p.m. the television, computer, lights, etc. should be turned off and you should be moving toward the bedroom. Another helpful tip, don't bring technology into the bedroom. That text from your friend, a Tweet, and the Facebook update can wait. I'm just guessing, but your sex life might improve as well!

- EAT BETTER! I'm not saying do a complete diet overhaul . . . even though it may be needed (me! me!) but swap out the Little Debbie's for fruit or yogurt. A banana, chocolate milk, and fruit bar will have you feeling a lot better than that donut (or whatever your comfort food of choice may be) for breakfast. All I'm saying is swap out the cupcake/cookie/chips for an apple every once in awhile, then often, and before you know it, you'll be eating healthier without feeling deprived of the good stuff. Food really does have a HUGE impact on how we feel emotionally. Look it up if you don't believe me.

Last

 - AVOID DEBBIE DOWNER. You know who she is. The person that is always venting, always complaining, always bringing you down. You don't need someone like that hanging around. We've got enough problems of our own, we don't need to hear about every little gripe in someones day. Find an excuse, any reason, or just tell them straight up that you need a break from their problems. Either way, when you see them coming, run in the opposite direction! Don't worry, they will find another sucker willing to listen and empathize about how 'horrible' their PERFECTLY NORMAL lives are.

So how are we going to put ourselves first to reduce stress?
We're going to allow ourselves to get the sleep we need by establishing a bedtime.
We're going to eat less crap and more of the good stuff.
We're going to surround ourselves with more positive people.

I encourage you to try these things. I think you'll find that even though life is always going to have difficulties, we can better prepare ourselves by taking time to take care of ourselves.

It starts with you, friend.

Homework: Watch a funny movie.
The movies Bridesmaids, Stepbrothers, The Proposal, Grandma's Boy, Meet the Focker's, The Jerk, Old School, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Wedding Singer, Date Night or There's Something About Mary have always made me laugh. I would bet a few bills that you would enjoy at least one of them.

"May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire."  -Irish Blessing