10 Stress-Relieving Tips

We all have stress and some people handle it so much better than others. I don’t normally feel too stressed because I have a system in place. We all have a daily routine from the time we get up in the morning to the time we go to bed. My daily routine includes stress-relieving tactics throughout the day.

Here’s my list of tips. I hope they’re useful to you.

  1. Journaling – Either online or off, handwritten or typed. It doesn’t matter. It helps to write down what you’re feeling.
  2. Music – It doesn’t really matter what kind of music you listen to, just listen. If you like jazz, listen to jazz. If you like heavy metal, listen to heavy metal. Avoid songs that make you cry or take you back to a time when things were difficult. Songs that make you feel good will reduce your stress level.
  3. Hobbies – A hobby can be very relaxing. It gets your mind off what’s causing you stress. It doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. If you like to draw, then draw. If you like to work in the garden, do that! I like to crochet, and I crochet every day.
  4. Bath Time – Take time out for a good soak in the tub. Light some candles, pour a cup of tea or wine, and have a good bubble bath! Tell people you will be unavailable for 30 minutes (or whatever time you desire).
  5. Pets – Cuddle with a pet. Nothing makes me feel better than the unconditional love, purrs, and head bonks of my kitties. If you have dogs, cuddle with them on the couch.
  6. Netflix – Yep, watch a movie. Choose something uplifting or funny. Something to boost your mood, not make you feel bad.
  7. Exercise – Whatever kind of exercise you like to do, do that. Take a nice long walk if other exercise is not your thing.
  8. Say No! You have the right to say no. Don’t over-extend yourself. You need time to recharge. If you need it, take it. Say no. No explanation, just NO!
  9. Meditation – I know it takes practice. It’s very difficult to block everything out, including your own thoughts. Keep practicing. There are some awesome guided meditations available. Just do a search on YouTube or buy a CD.
  10. And if none of that helps, go kick your asshole neighbor in the nuts.

Of course, I’m kidding! It was a test to see if you were paying attention! But seriously, what would you add to this list?

 

 

 

Monday Thoughts

It has become painfully clear to me over the past few weeks, that I have many friends who are racist or have hatred for other people based on religious beliefs or sexual orientation. This sickens me to my core!

I normally respect the opinions of others but not when it comes to racism, or hatred of another person based on their personal beliefs or something they have no control over. I have NO RESPECT for those people who choose to hate.

We were not born hating others. Hatred is taught. This new realization that I have friends who are racist has exhausted me. My heart hurts and I am overwhelmed with anger and disbelief. People I went to school with, women of my generation, educated people, people who went to school with my kids, teachers and other professionals…who are so blatantly racist or hateful of others because of skin color?? It is small-minded and just plain ignorant. There is no excuse for such hatred!

I’m leaving you with a few great quotes to ponder and share if it moves you to do so. Peace be with you, ALL of you!

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It’s Not Political

This major divide between Americans sickens me. It’s not even political. It’s actually an issue of humanity. All human life is valuable. If you think otherwise; based on a person’s skin color, religion, country of origin, or sexual orientation, then you are seriously lacking in your humanity.

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. I don’t give a rat’s ass what color they are or where they came from. If dogs and cats in shelters were being treated the way immigrants in border camps are being treated, people would be outraged. Even convicted felons are treated better! They have access to health care, clean water, food, a bed to sleep in, and shelter from the scouring heat!

So many people in this country think in terms of what they’re going to lose, or what will be taken from them – as if being kind and helping others is going to damage their own way of life. People need to start thinking about how they would feel if they were in the same situation as those immigrants who just want a better life for themselves, but mostly for their children. Why else would they risk their lives to travel all the way across Mexico to come here? It’s not for free shit. It’s for survival. Wouldn’t you do whatever you had to do to protect your children from harm? They aren’t different.

Some people think that immigrants are taking away jobs from Americans. Seriously? Americans are too good to take the menial shit jobs these immigrants are happy to take! I know through various connections that caucasian’s seeking jobs refuse to take jobs working in the fields, regardless of how bad they say they need a job. Immigrants are happy to take the jobs of working in the fields, doing housekeeping, transportation jobs, and more. They are contributing to this economy!

Humanity seems to have been lost almost completely in the last couple of years. It’s truly sad.

There’s so much more I have to say… but it’s exhausting. Humans are exhausting. The hateful attitudes of so many people make this Proud American ashamed of my fellow-Americans.

If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine. I just hope you’re happy with yourself and that when it’s time to enter The Pearly Gates, you won’t be too disappointed when you’re turned away.

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Photo by icon0.com on Pexels.com

ViewPoint Intro

I spent most of my childhood (and into my teens) being stifled by my mother. She always made me feel that I had no voice. I was told that since I was a child, I was to be seen and not heard. I was taught from a very young age that my opinions didn’t matter. Even when I was a teenager, I was chastised for having even an informed opinion. I was told that I didn’t know what I was talking about because I had no life experience. Ok, perhaps in some cases a young person (me included) wouldn’t know certain things for that reason, but does that mean a person can’t have or shouldn’t have an opinion? Apparently, that’s what my mother thought.

As an adult, my ex did the same thing to me but he did it in a sly manipulative way, being the narcissist he was. I felt like no matter what I said he’d have to correct me or question me in order to make me look like the dumb one. I had no voice of my own.

The internet has caused some major problems in that area as well. Every single time I share my opinion about something, someone always feels the need to inform me or use name calling while they tell me how wrong I am. I tend to get defensive! Can you blame me? Why can’t I just state my opinion and let it go at that? I have been told in the past that I’m “one of those people who need to be hanged” by someone who didn’t even know me. Even worse things have been said to me all because I had a different opinion!

The reason I’m writing this today is because I’m sure there are others who have felt the same or maybe feel this way right now. I have an idea that I’m working on that will allow people to state their opinion on certain subjects with the understanding that everyone will be respectful.

This blog series will be called “ViewPoint.” I’m still working out the details but once a week I’ll post a question regarding current events and I’ll share my opinion. Everyone will have the opportunity to share their opinion as well. There will be rules. The posts will be moderated, for obvious reasons. I want to create a safe place for people to use their voice!!! There will be no arguing, no name calling, no disrespect.

I’d like to know what you think, provided you’re respectful about it. So please be sure to comment below your thoughts! You can also use the Contact page to send me a private message. I look forward to your input!

Thought For The Week

Maturity is realizing how many things don’t require your opinion.

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In my experience, nothing is gained from giving people your opinion, unless of course, they ask for that opinion directly.

People form their own opinions based on their experiences, their own perception, and the information they have acquired. They will not change their opinions based on the opinions of others, especially when they didn’t ask for it.

It is not necessary to give your opinion just because you have one or because you think yours is right. Opinions aren’t right or wrong.