Have a Bad Day?

Happy Friday Everyone!!

What do you do when your friday isn't so happy? Long story short, today wasn't Sierra's day. Between drama, stupid people, and 'haters', I've been worn down.

But who likes to STAY unhappy???

NOT THIS CHICA!

So if you're like me today (or any day really) and need to get back to your happy days, here's what you do:
source: Health Line

Listen to Music

If you're feeling overwhelmed by a stressful situation, try taking a break and listening to relaxing classical music. Playing calm music has a positive effect on the brain and body, can lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
We recommend cello master Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach, but if classical really isn’t your thing, try listening to ocean or nature sounds; they may seem cheesy, but they display similar relaxing effects to music.

Call a Friend

If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break to call a friend and talk about your problems. Good relationships with friends and loved-ones are important to any healthy lifestyle, and there's no time that this is more evident than when you're under a lot of stress. A reassuring voice, even for a minute, can put everything in perspective.

Talk Yourself Through It

Sometimes calling a friend is not an option. If this is the case, talking to yourself can be the next best thing to avoid wigging out. Don’t worry about seeming crazy, just tell yourself why you're stressed out, what you have to do to complete the task at hand, and most importantly, that everything will be okay (trust us, it will be).

Eat Right

Stress levels and a proper diet are closely related. Unfortunately, it’s when we have the most work that we forget to eat well and, instead, resort to using sugary, fatty snack foods as a pick-me-up. Try to avoid the vending machine and plan ahead. Fruits and vegetables are always good, as is fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress. A tuna sandwich really is brain food.

Breathe Easy

The advice “take a deep breath” may seem like a cliché, but it holds real truth when it comes to stress. For centuries, Buddhist monks have been conscious of deliberate breathing during meditation. For an easy three- to five-minute exercise, sit up in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and hands on top of your knees. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply, concentrating on your lungs as they expand fully in your chest. While shallow breathing causes stress, deep breathing oxygenates your blood, helps center your body, and clears your mind.

Laugh It Off

Laughter releases endorphins that improve mood and decrease levels of the stress-causing hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Laughing tricks our nervous system into making us happy. Unfortunately, bursting into a fit of giggles at your desk may not be the most appropriate way to deal with stress. Our suggestion: watch some classic Monty Python skits like "The Ministry of Silly Walks." Those Brits are so hilarious you’ll soon be cracking up, rather than cracking up.

Exercise (Even For a Minute)

Exercise doesn't necessarily mean power lifting at the gym or training for a marathon. A short walk around the office or simply standing up to stretch during a break at work can offer immediate relief in a stressful situation. Getting your blood moving releases endorphins and can improve your mood almost instantaneously.

XOXO
-S