Lightweight Eats

Moving is stressful. Racing and prepping for a weigh in? Also stressful. Managing work, training and keeping house? More stress.

I get stressed out easily and often unnecessarily. I think of it as a bad habit. In high school, I tended to take my stress out on the people around me. In college, I learned to manage stress by finding outlets like exercise and baking. Now, I try to avoid stress. Here are some of my solutions for managing stress:

1. Just say no. Your time is precious--which is why so many people ask for it. If I did everything people asked me to do, I would have absolutely zero time left, so I've learned to say no.

2. Ask for help. As it turns out, other people aren't so great at saying no. If you're overwhelmed, ask the people around you to lend a hand. Even if it's something unusual--like an extra set of hands and eyes in the kitchen while you cook or help mowing the lawn--you probably know somebody who is capable and willing.

3. Schedule down time. Sit on the couch and devour a book for 20 minutes. Use your commute to close your eyes and listen to music. Sing in the shower, even if air guitaring slows you down. Eat a leisurely breakfast. Whatever you choose, flee to it whenever you find your stress unmanageable.

4. When shit hits the fan, ask yourself this: will it matter in six months? So the barista accidentally made your latte with 2% milk instead of nonfat. Will you even remember in six days? Probably not. The guy at Home Depot mixes up paint two shades darker than you wanted. Will you remember in six months? Most definitely! Freak the f*** out!

5. Be honest. Seriously, people understand way more than you might expect.

How do you prevent stress? de-stress?

P.S. I'm using #1 as my excuse for not having posted pictures of our new place, yet.