How I Decompress After Stressful Life Events

“I really cherish having my private time and being alone and being able to decompress. It’s my own version of meditating.” – Tim Gunn

For those of you who have been following my blog for some time now, you may know that the past 12-18 months have been an incredibly challenging time for me. This period has been full of ups and downs, several stressful life events, people I love have fallen ill, and in many ways my life has simply not gone to plan.

I’ve learned that life is not so much what happens to us, but how we choose to respond to it. No matter what cards I’m dealt with, that it’s up to me to make the best of the circumstances. I’ve also learned that it’s important to allow myself to feel how I want to feel (because after all, I’m not a robot), but then learn to recover and to push forward.

Here are some of the practices I’ve put in place to decompress and recover from stressful life events:

1. SCHEDULING IN TIME TO BE ALONE

After a stressful life event or situation, I’ve learned that one of the best ways for me to recover is to simply schedule in some me-time, and to spend some time alone. My work often demands me to be in constant conversation and to be surrounded by people, but sometimes the best therapy is to just enjoy some alone time to reflect on the situation and to simply let myself feel how I want to feel.

2. MEDITATION

I am no expert when it comes to meditation, however the simply practice of taking time out a few minutes in the morning to take in some deep breaths can help me to feel more calm and in control. I personally like to use the headspace app, however there are a ton of various exercises you can find on YouTube if you’re unsure of where to start.

3. WORKING OUT

Working out serves as a huge release for me when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. If I am feeling really anxious then an intensive 45 minute workout can help to clear my mind. At other times, I enjoy more relaxed forms of exercise such as yoga or a 1 hour coastal walk.

4. PAMPERING

Sometimes, a little pampering can go a long way. I love to self-care and this can take various forms for me. Some of the things I like to do include getting a massage, soaking in a bubble bath, getting my nails done or getting a blow out. Whatever it is, find little ways to serve as a pick-me-up at moments when you are feeling down.

5. SLEEP

One of the best ways to decompress and destress is to get a good nights’ sleep. Sleep is an essential part of recovery and a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, getting a good night’s sleep can make a world of difference and help me feel more rejuvenated and calm.

HOW TO DECOMPRESS AFTER STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS

What are some of the methods or practices you use to decompress after stressful life events? I would love to hear your thoughts – please leave your comments below!