Stress. We all have it in one form or another. Maybe it comes from pressures from work. Maybe our family life is hectic. Maybe we have financial strains that keep us up at night. Whatever the case may be, stress is something that we all need to deal with at one time or another.

The problem is, if you are living with high levels of stress (like so many people are now with the COVID-19 crisis), you may be putting your entire state of well-being at risk. Stress not only negatively affects your mental health, but your physical health as well...sometimes it can be detrimental. This is why it is so important to find ways to manage the stress that you do have. But how are you supposed to do that when you are already feeling overwhelmed?

First of all, identify what the source of your stress is. Knowing what the cause of your anxiety is can help you to better work through the stress that comes with it. Look at what is causing you stress and then ask yourself, 'Is this something that I have any control over?' You may want to consider making a list of what your stressors are.

Then consider what you CAN do to help the situations that you have control over, if anything. Certain things in life are quite simply out of our control and no matter how much we think things through, stress, and worry, things may not immediately change or get better. This is when we need to take measures to help ourselves.

During this global pandemic, for instance, watching or listening to the news stresses a lot of people out. Yes, it's nice to know what's happening. No, it's not nice if your blood is boiling every time you watch it. And this is the type of thing you DO have control over. If it's stressing you out, you have the option to tune out.

Although this probably has already been drilled into your head, be active when you can. Exercise is a proven way to help alleviate stress. It releases endorphins known to help improve mood and lower stress hormones that may be present. So, when you're feeling anxious, go for a walk (if it's allowed where you live), or take a virtual fitness class online, or dance in your living room. Whatever you do, don't sit all day...and certainly don't sleep for hours on end (unless you're recovering from an illness.) In fact, getting out of PJs and into workout clothes may encourage you to stay active throughout your day.

Reducing your intake of caffeine can also prove beneficial when dealing with stress. Caffeine can add to your feelings of anxiety that may already be present so cutting back on it can only help. Have your cup of morning coffee if you wish. Drink water the rest of the day.

Another magic technique I love to use is tuning into relaxing music. For many people, it truly does help. We play energizing music when we want to rev up a sports team. We play lullabies when we want to encourage a baby to sleep. Putting on relaxing music can really help when you need to unwind and manage your mood or feelings.

One of my neighbors has been furloughed. He has a wife who doesn't work and three young children. He has not received unemployment benefits (or his family's stimulus checks) yet because of an issue with the bank account they had on file...and are waiting now for the check to arrive in the mail. It could take a few months to get straightened out. They've had to take money out of their retirement accounts to pay their mounting bills, and the stress is running pretty high. When I asked him what he's doing to relieve some of that stress, he told me: a) No matter what, his family has (as he described) a frugal dinner together every night and they play board games with their kids afterwards, b) he talks to at least one person in his extended family every single day, and c) he and his family 'attend' online church services every Sunday. He said, 'these three comforts are helping us get through this very challenging time.'

I have two friends who have each lost one of their parents, due to health challenges unrelated to the virus, recently. There was a lot of stress and heartbreak for both friends and their families, especially since only very immediate family could be at the burials, and no memorial services. To help relieve stress and feel some semblance of comfort in these losses, in both cases, these friends have used Zoom video conferencing with their family members and friends...just to talk, and cry, and share memories. Both friends are also preparing for future memorial services when stay-at-home orders are lifted, printing photos, making slideshows, etc. in memory of one friend's dad and my other friend's mom.

Bottom line, it's important to do what you can do to relieve stress, even when it seems impossible to do so. How are you relieving some stress these days? Please write and let us know so we can share your stories and ideas with our GON readers.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the MAY 2020 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the MAY Issue...

The Art of Living Without
We can live without a whole lot...when we absolutely need to

Going for It
Have you tried anything new lately? If not, what's holding you back? Today is a great day to begin

Host a Digital Party
These days, staying connected is more important than ever. One way we can do that when we can't be in the same room, is to host a digital party. It's easier than you think

How to Spruce up the Outside of Your Home
15 things you can do to make your outside quarters look well-taken-care of and wonderful

Breakfast for Dinner Recipes
-Lemon Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes
-Scrambled Egg Tacos

Why Consistency Leads to Accomplishment
Consistency is key for getting a project done and/or reaching your goals. Here's why it's important and what to do

5 Easy Ways to Ease Anxiety
During this time of uncertainty, many people are feeling anxious. Here are 10 easy ways to ease it and feel a sense of calm

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on MAY 8TH: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

Access EVERYTHING BELOW (and more!) on my NEWLY DESIGNED Home Page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

GON May Organizing Checklist Here are 30 organizing TO DOs...one for each day of the month

GON May Mini Organizing Challenges Our challenges for May are focused on Organizing Behind Closed Doors and in Closed Drawers

GON Technology Declutter your email and computer files by counting to 10. If you've been wanting to declutter your email and computer files, this is a very simple system I use that takes up hardly any time at all.

Access EVERYTHING ABOVE (and more!) on my NEWLY DESIGNED Home Page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'My body needs laughter as much as it needs tears. Both are cleansers of stress.' --Mahogany SilverRain

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And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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