Yesterday was “one of those days” – the commute was messy and I was late, several things I was working on at work needed to be redone (making me feel both stressed and incompetent.) So it was good timing that my friend Ruth-Anne sent me this link to a blog post on Huffington Post by Marlo Thomas on managing stress. I always think of Marlo Thomas as “That Girl” and of course as so cheerful and accepting because of “Free to Be You and Me” (and as a healthy eater because she (and “Phil”) interviewed my brother to be their personal chef – he did not take the job… but I digress…). She quite true to form has some pragmatic advice and a “Freesome Threesome” for dealing with stress.
She says: “I’ve always been something of a pragmatist, at least as it applies to stress. While many people try to avoid pressure of any kind, I’ve actually come to accept the fact that, no matter what I do, it will always be there — hiding around the corner, lurking under my desk, always waiting to pounce, especially when think I’m in the clear.
But I don’t let stress taunt me. In fact, I fight back whenever it rears its head. And I do this by relying on what I call my “Freesome Threesome” — a liberating trio of surefire rituals that relieves the pressure, brings me a sense of equilibrium — sometimes even serenity — and recharges me for the next onslaught.
Her threesome is: running, laughter and listening (to a personal playlist of relaxing music). She encourages us to find our own. Good advice. My threesome is (also): running, friends (calling or emailing) and (believe it or not) silence. (In truth, I guess the last one is probably really eating a bunch of sweets – see why this is a bad idea!) What are yours??
The cool thing about this “find”, too, is that there are a lot of other cool articles and links for managing stress (with the somewhat trite name “GPS for the Soul” – IMO silly name, but good content!)
I think this info graphic is a great reminder of things to try to “Take a Break” and de-stress:
What is your favorite?
Other Links I Like for Dealing With Stress
– From Mind Body Green – How to Be Happy in 5 Minutes and Meditation is the Best Way to Fight Stress
– From Marc and Angel Hack Life – 21 Quick Tricks to Feel Better Instantly
– From Prevention (via Well+Good NYC) – 3 Weird Stress Busters that Work and Head to Toe Stress Tips from Dr. Oz
– From the Well Daily – Simmer Down
And If All Else Fails… Go Shopping! Today’s deals (and freebies)!
1. Need a baby gift and something for big brothers and sisters, too? Check out Everything Happy’s 50% off Christmas in July. 50% off medium or large blankets (so soft, fun and can be personalized) and new happy pillows from July 17 – 24 with the code CHRISTMAS1. Best thing about this company? When you purchase an Everything Happy product you are making a conscious choice to do good by making not one, but two kids happy. Their mission is “One to Love, One to Give”. The second blanket goes to children in hospitals and orphanages all over the world. A win-win!
2. Hey, Chicago friends – check out the Gilt City deal for Helios Pilates in Roscoe Village. Jenna is awesome and the offer is 4 studio classes for $39 or 8 studio classes for $69. A great way to try a great studio and support a local business!
3. Always on the look out for a new snack and want to get in on the new monthly box craze? Daily Candy Deals has 50% off on one month ($10) or 3 months ($30) for Nature Box. This no-commitment, monthly plan and nutritionist-approved bounty will arrive packed with curated bites such as apple rings, cinnamon spice almonds, etc. Plus, for every box shipped, NatureBox will donate one meal to feed the more than 14 million children who go hungry in America. Another win-win! (You know I got this one – just so I can try new things and tell you all about them!)
4. Another Chicago one – want to try some exercise innovations for FREE?? (I think it is free! I saw it on twitter so it must be true!?). Check out NikeFuel house on Facebook for free classes in Lincoln Park. (Schedule Above)
5. One last one — remember my yoga and natural food score at Whole Foods? (Check out the post here.) Awesome natural food chef/wellness coach Amanda Skrip has a new e-cookbook out that is 30+ recipes from her Greens, Beans and Grains series at Whole Foods. They are all easy and healthy and intended to be adapted to your tastes. For a limited time she is offering to email you a copy for $6.50 – it is beautifully designed and has recipes even I can handle! Check it out here
Bonus Link: Did you like Lauren’s expert opinion yesterday? The NYC Marathon has a free nutrition guide by Lauren (sponsored by Grana Padana cheese – so a bit “cheesy”) here and you can enter to win a telephone or in person session with Lauren by clicking the link on this page. Check it out!
Ok – that’s all for now! Have a great weekend!