Anyway, I have hardly any prior knowledge when it comes to the technical side of health & fitness. Everything that I know is self taught and barely scrapes the surface of what is going to be on the exam. Needless to say, I will be spending many months cramming and mulling over 20 chapters worth of material (prayers please!).
Another thing you probably know about me...I'm a type-A personality to the MAX. I usually have 4 or 5 lists going every day, everything in my apartment has its spot and I'm all about planning & scheduling. I've tried to be a "free spirit" but it stresses me out. Come to think of it...a lot of things stress me out. Including studying for this exam. I don't have an instructor; it's all me. Talk about pressure.
SO today I want to share with you guys a few of the ways that I de-stress. Okay, let's be serious, I don't think I ever fully de-stress, so these are the ways that I relieve some of my stress ;)
Number 1. Beach getaways
I'm a lucky girl and the beach is only about 45 minutes away. So if I have a few hours that I can afford to spare, going to the beach to watch the sunset always brings my head out of my clouds and re-grounds me. The beauty of beach sunsets make me realize that it's okay if my to-do list for the day hasn't been checked off 100%.
Number 2. Going outside for fresh air
If I only have a few minutes to sound de-stressing, I like to go outside and take a walk and really let my thoughts wander. I let go of whatever is stressing me out and just soak up my surroundings. I love being outside; it's an easy way for me to clear my mind. Added bonus: my favorite place to talk to God is while I'm outside :)
The first picture is from a jogging trail near where my parents live, the second picture is a little creek at the park where I go mountain biking and the third picture is a tree in Adam's dad's backyard that has the word "hope" carved into it.
Number 3. Reading & journaling I've loved reading for as long as I can remember. Reading allows me to experience different worlds and expand my imagination, which usually causes me to release whatever tension I'm holding onto in that moment. This also includes reading my Bible & journaling. There's just something about writing in my prayer journal that takes a weight off of my shoulders...imagine that ;) (Check Matthew 11:28-30)
Number 4. Drinking a cup of coffee
Coffee makes everything better. Period. Oh and fun fact: I collect coffee mugs!
Number 5. Target runs
Although if I'm gonna be honest, once I'm finished sweeping through the aisles of Target and I leave the check out, I'm usually more stressed out than when I got there because I've spent so much money. I'm convinced that the Target "bullseye" hypnotizes people. JUST KIDDING :)
And if all else fails, spending a little quality time with these two always manages to put a smile on my face and push my stresses aside :)
So tell me, what do YOU do to de-stress? :)lovelylittlethingsblog.com