Stress Talk

I have been incredibly stressed lately (and this is my excuse for not blogging lately, either that or I have just been lazy). The majority of this stress stems from work, some from my anxiety ridden dog (although she still looks pretty darn cute even when she’s stressed)…

and the rest from little other things here and there.

So given this recent stress, I thought with the large amount of travel I had to do last week (who would’ve guessed a round trip flight from Chicago to NY would amount in 16+ hrs of travel of time, but yes, it did), it would be a great time to actually read books and articles that might assist in alleviating my stress.

So I read this book, Deep Meditation: the Pathway to Personal Freedom by Yogani.

I read this magazine, Time Alternative Medicine: Your Guide to Stress Relief, Healing, Nutrition and More (which reads more like a book) with medical expertise from Mayo Clinic…

And I listened to this book, Drop Dead Healthy: One Man’s Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection by A.J. Jacobs on my iPhone (courtesy of my husband’s subscription to Audio Books)…

And while I’m still in the process of finishing listening to the audio book, I’ve come to the following conclusions:

1. I should meditate twice a day for 20 minutes. Once after waking up (before breakfast). Once after work (before dinner, etc.). The book suggests using the phrase ‘I Am’ or ‘Ayam’ for your mantra. I highly recommend reading the book for more information on how to do this, it’s exactly 100 pages and an easy read. I have fallen asleep on both attempts at this so far, but I am hoping the long holiday weekend will offer me more attempts at this.

2. I definitely need to work out everyday. I am looking into joining a gym or some type of class to keep up my motivation, but my pedometer (Fitbit) is helping immensely. AND, bonus, I found out that walking up the stairs to our apartment is not only a good workout for me, but also my dog. The extra workout in turn tires her out and thus reduces her anxiety.

3. I should continue to eat healthy. I’ve inundated myself with reading materials on this lately, but I will report back with some more tips after finishing my audio book.

4. I need to get enough sleep. For me, that is 8 hours a night. At least. Which means bedtime is 9 or 10 PM.

Did I tell you things you already know. Yeah I know. But sometimes you need to read books from experts to jump start and invigorate your motivation to do the things you already know you need to do.

And I am motivated to begin with #4 on my list. Get more zzzz’s. Starting now. G’night and until next time, I’ll leave you with this beautiful and relaxing country cottage (originally found here). I think just looking at these images reduces my stress…enjoy!