It is not uncommon for art girls to feel drained. The art world can be a stressful work environment. Here are ten tips to help you feel better when you are feeling overwhelmed by stress and exhausted by life.
Image via Anticipate joy ?Via @refinery29germany. Artwork by @blindsaay.
Do something you love
Working in a job you don’t love can take a toll mentally. Your Sunday nights become filled with dread as you anticipate another day of watching the clock tick away. On the other hand, working in a profession you love can fill your life with joy. Your dream job doesn’t have to remain a fantasy, take the plunge and quit your dreary job and find something you love. If that isn’t so easily done at this point in your life, do something you love in your spare time. Take time for yourself for some TLC. Schedule something to look forward to. Plan a fun day later this month, whether you sign up for a cooking class, plan a movie marathon, or use the weekend to go on a mini road trip.
Meditate for 20 mins
Meditating for 20 minutes a day is the time it took for Harvard researchers to see changes in the brain that can help you become more focused, creative, productive and less anxious. Scientists at the University of Washington established that with mindfulness meditation helps people concentrate with fewer distractions, improves data retention, and reduces stress. This kind of meditation requires us to focus on one specific thing – from our breathing to a particular object outside of us – and continually bring our attention back to that focal point when it wanders. Download a free mindfulness app like Headspace and you can do it anywhere when you have a spare moment or read our guide to meditation.
Do as the Danes do
Why not follow the Danish example and bring more hygge into your daily life. Born in Denmark, Hygge is a quality of cosines and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. By creating simple rituals without effort – such as brewing a cup of hot cacao every evening, lighting candles, to stopping at the flower shop every week – the Danes see both the domestic and personal life as an art form and not every drudgery to get away from. They incorporate hygge into their daily life, so it becomes a natural extension rather than a forced and stressful event. Why not give it a try to boost your mood?
Take a bath
Not only is a bath relaxing, submerging ourselves in water can have healing properties too. Hydrotherapy has been practiced for centuries. It can improve heart health, help you breathe easier, benefit your muscles, joints and bones, take care of your blood and immunity and balance your hormones. On the chill factor side of things your brain and nervous system can benefit from bathing too. And as for more aesthetic qualities it can moisturize your skin, hair and eyes.
Write a daily gratitude list
Creating a gratitude list is a simple daily ritual you can do that’s scientifically proven to bring more joy into your life. In the same way that a vision board helps you achieve your goals, positive psychology research outlined in Harvard Health Publications shows that “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”
Clear your calendar for 2 days
Do you ever have those mornings when you wake-up and dread looking at your calendar? It’s not because you’re being lazy. It’s because you know it’s jam-packed and bursting at the seams, which is never good for your stress levels. Say no to plans and clear your calendar or move it to a more convenient or less stressful time to de-clutter your brain.
Catch up with a good friend or give them a call
Having a strong social support system is linked with a reduced risk of depression and high blood pressure, according to Mayo Clinic. Instead of whatsapping your friend why not meet in person or give them a good ol’ fashioned phone call instead of hiding behind a screen.
Plan a dance party at home
Plan a night in or out with friends. Whether it’s book club, a night in dancing or a love island viewing party, you’ll save money versus dinner out (and you can wear comfy clothes). Plus you can act as silly as you wish without the judgement.
Complete a gratifying task
Cross a lingering item off your to-do list. You know that doctor’s appointment you’ve been meaning to make for months? Now’s the time to call and get it done. Take the stress out of your life and get it done. Then complete some gratifying tasks and do something that will bring joy to your life.
Clean eating
Clean eating focuses on consuming whole foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible. Adopting a clean eating plan can be a simple and effective way to boost your overall health and energy levels. Alongside clean eating why not stock up of the supplements your doctor advices you are lacking in. Ritual is a great company that develops vitamins that are essential for women. Their product is simple, effective, and backed by real science.
Text by Peigi Mackillop
