Becoming Bliss | Stress Less

I don't know about y'all, but it feels like spring has been taking a toll on me. Between working full-time, keeping up with my blog and the Blogging Elite, filming and editing videos for my YouTube channel, working on a special project, and attempting to have a social life, it's like I don't even know the meaning of the words "free time" anymore. I'm about ready to pull out my hair (and maybe I should because it's been growing a lot lately - hellooooo split ends). 
When I have too much on my plate, it's hard for me to let any of it go. I run around like a chicken with it's head cutoff (and I think we all know that's not a pretty sight). Luckily, I've come up with a few ways to help me stress a little less.
WRITE IT ALL DOWN I've always been a very visual person, so if I see a list of all the things that I need to do written down in front of me, I can immediately feel a little more calm. Seeing it all laid out allows me to look at each thing I need to do, prioritize by what's most important and cross things off when I finish them. It gives me a sense of accomplishment because I can actually see my list getting shorter as I finish each task.
GET AWAY Sometimes when it all seems like to much, the best thing for you to do is step away from all of it. Instead of mentally replaying all of the things you need to accomplish in your head, get out and do something that has nothing to do with anything that you need to get down. If you're an athletic person, you could go for a run. If you're a writer, you could go old school with a paper and pen and go to town. If you're a reader, crack open a book (this one is my favorite). You could even just turn on Netflix and enjoy an episode of your favorite show. Giving your brain a break may be exactly what you need to do in order to re-energize and refocus. 
BLAST SOME MUSIC Music has such an effect on me. If I'm listening to sad music, I'm instantly put in a sad mood. If I'm listening to dance music, I usually want to get up and dance. If I'm listening to happy music, you bet I'll be smiling by the end of the song. No matter what music you're into, it can really help to put your mind in a better place and really just help you loosen up and let your mind wander elsewhere. If you're anything like me, you'll end up dancing by yourself in your living room. Alternatively, you could go for a drive and blast the music to help clear your head a bit. 
TAKE A BUBBLE BATH There's not much I enjoy more than soaking in a steaming hot bubble bath with my tablet next to me with Netflix on and a glass of wine nearby. It really is my own personal paradise. Even if you're like Chandler Bing and don't appreciate the greatness of a good bubble bath, you could also just take a hot shower and give your brain time to rest before you get back to the grind. 
CALL SOMEONE UP Sometimes when you have a lot of stuff going on, what you really need is a friend, someone to listen to you and talk you and help you through all of the stress. Sometimes talking it out is the best thing you can do for yourself. Next time you're stressed, dial your best friend or closest relative and let the rant session begin. 
BREAK A SWEAT I know when I'm working out or physically exerting myself in any way, I'm usually focused on my body and my breathing, not my endless to-do list. Go for a run, do some yoga, lift some weights, do some push-ups, get out in the sunshine! 
LAUGH I am a wholehearted believer in that laughter really is the best medicine. Laughter pulls me out of the foulest of moods. Call up a friend ask them to tell you a funny story. Go on YouTube and watch a series of hilarious videos. Watch your favorite comedy show on Netflix. Whatever you do, just laugh your little heart out. 
DRINK SOME WINE This may not be backed by scientific fact, but I know that when I drink a glass of wine (or even take a shot if I'm feeling extra classy), it instantly relaxes me. I think I've mentioned a time or two that my love affair with wine is so real, and just taking a few minutes to enjoy a glass helps take my mind off of the many things I need to get done. 
What are your favorite ways to de-stress?  Share it in a blog post, and link it up below!