How many of you have ever heard or said the comment, “it wasn’t long enough” after coming back to work from a long weekend? Or maybe, “just needed a couple more days” or perhaps even, “urgh, It’s Monday already”? I know I, for one, have either heard or said these throughout the years.
Anxiousness/anxiety can stem from chemical imbalances, trauma, or stress, to name a few. Around the holiday’s these can all be further magnified. I am reminded of the years when I allowed thoughts of dread to take over before getting consistent with my wellness journey. I would get so wrapped up in the week ahead and the stress that was my normal working day, it significantly impacted the enjoyment I could have had at the moment.
Coming off the long holiday weekend, it can be easy to let your thoughts go in the wrong direction. Thinking about the week or days ahead if left un-managed can bring about much anxiousness. I was reminded about the importance of this when Monday crossed my mind this afternoon.
What do you do in these moments? For me, the very first thing I do is to redirect the negative to ones of empowerment and appreciation. This can look very different for all of us. Here are a few questions to help:
How can I make the most out of this week?
What are the benefits of me having a job?
What can I do right now to get the most out of the rest of today?
What are the best things I have in store for my week?
Next, re-frame your “have to” to “get to.” Changing this one word can have a powerful impact. Recognizing and re-framing may be one of the tips I recommend most. We will go more in-depth into this one for a future post.
After you have re-framed your thoughts, it’s time for tip #3!
Grab your shoes, and get ready to go outside. Normally during the middle of December in Wisconsin, I wouldn’t tell you to kick off your shoes and walk around your yard, but on a day like today in Wisconsin, I can tell you that is exactly what I did!
There are several benefits to getting out in nature and activity as a whole. Today we will focus on nature. First, let’s look at some of the potential health benefits:
Emotional wellness
Reducing anxiety
Reducing blood pressure
Reducing the production of stress hormones
Physical benefits
Muscle tension
Better apt to deal with conversations/relationships
Coping skills
Creativity and attention skills
I am not sure about all of you, but I appreciate these benefits. So, what are some of the activities you can do? Here is a shortlist of ideas to get you started:
Earthing-I’ll go more in-depth on this one in a future post, but in short, kick your shoes off and walk around your grass, breathe and take in nature.
Go for a walk
Go for a bike ride
Take your pet for a walk
Grab your phone or camera and look for scenic views to grab some pictures
Grab your football, basketball, soccer ball with a friend or family member and have some fun
Swimming
Hiking
In as little as fifteen minutes a day, you can start seeing profound benefits from taking time in the great outdoors. Whether it is as simple as a walk or as active as a run, each one can help. Bottom line, get up, get out, and breathe in all nature has to offer.
Stay well, my friends!
Jen
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