August 25, 2017
When It’s All Too Much (And It Frequently Is)
Words: Christen Hammons
Wouldn’t it be nice if, on those days where everything seems to be going wrong, we could just crawl back into bed and hide from the rest of the world?
Unfortunately, most of us can’t do that. After enduring a morning full of spilled coffee, traffic, and demand after demand, you just simply have to keep going.
Adulting is hard; there’s no denying it. Lucky for us, as we age, we get a little smarter (hopefully), and we learn how to deal with stress and the demands of everyday life. For me, I have a few different ways to hit the reset button on a bad day.
- Head to the carwash. This sounds silly, I know, but it works. On particularly hectic days when I’ve had to eat my lunch at my computer and only have a few minutes to get away, I’ll drive to the closest gas station and spend a few bucks on the self-wash. There’s something about being alone inside the car wash that is incredibly soothing to me.
- Pour a fresh cup of coffee. I work in an office full of coffee lovers, so there is usually a fresh pot at the ready. When I need just a few minutes of quiet, I will fill up my favorite mug, shut the door to my office, and savor the first few sips.
- Listen to a favorite song. There is usually ambient music playing in my office, but I’ll occasionally find one of my favorite upbeat songs and listen to it as a way to instantly brighten my mood.
- Read a page or two. I’m never without a book, so when my mind needs a bit of a break, I will read a couple pages. My brain will focus on that story for a few minutes, leaving me somewhat more relaxed than I previously was.
- Take a shower. I’m not one to listen to music or a podcast while I’m in the shower, so a short, silent shower usually turns my day around.
- Light a candle. I just love the first few moments after a candle has been lit. Seeing a fresh flame aglow while a sweet scent fills the air always boosts my mood.
- Wave the white flag. When all else fails (and if you’re able), put on those comfy pajamas, close the curtains, pull up those covers, and rest up for tomorrow.
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Ella
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
Yes, yes, and yes! So, many great ideas! I do most of these, except the car wash~ I do remember loving the calm that washes over me, when I do go through a car wash, too. I am going to do that this week~
I always have a book in my car and read a page or two when at a red light. I agree sometimes the white flag is all we can do. Surrender, get cozy, and retreat-until tomorrow. Thank you, for sharing! I am sending this to my daughter-who today spilled coffee on her daily commute and forgot her wallet.
Teri
April 19, 2023 at 4:25 pm
I love all these ideas, but working in the medical field it’s kind of hard to steal a moment to myself during the day. I do, however, eat my lunch in my car every day. An hour spent listening to the radio, reading (if I remember my book), catching up on Facebook, etc. It’s a great time to recharge before tackling my last 3 hours of work.