Self Care + How I Overcome Stress

currently playing// Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness

These last couple of months have been nothing but a nonstop rollercoaster for me. Between graduating, looking for work, and other personal matters -- I have had to create various methods to overcome the stress that has ensued. This is no pity party, because let's be real, EVERYONE deals with stress but not all cope with it the same or even admits to it.

For me, self care consists of taking care of both mind and body. Having an accountability partner is amazing, but I had to start being accountable for myself. Here are a few methods I use to focus on self care and avoiding stress.

1. Nutrition 
There are so many different view points when it comes to what individuals should and should not be eating, however, I look at it from a scientific-based research point of view. To me, food is medicine that may prevent diseases so that you don't have to go looking for cures later on down the line. Focusing on nutrient-dense food has helped me overcome preceding health issues. I started keeping track of my calories and a few of my nutrient consumptions by using the MyFitnessPal app. I did this because of a certain goal I am trying to reach and I am simply just fascinated by how much food I'm putting into my body on a daily basis.

2. Physical Activity
I have always been very fond of cardio workouts, but my love for strength training is definitely growing. I was so ignorant to the importance of strength training integrated with cardio. Exercise helps to release endorphins, the neurotransmitters of the brain that help you feel good. When I workout regularly I notice that I am able to get to bed earlier and get a good nights rest.

3. Words of Affirmation
When it comes to self doubt, discouragement, or what feels to be bouts of depression, it's all about introspection. I am capable, I am worthy, I am a survivor. Words of affirmation also help by allowing me to address the problem at hand. Why am I upset? Have I overcome something similar in the past? If not, how can I find the motivation? If I have, why do I think that I am not capable of doing it again?
+ I also incorporate words of affirmation with my yoga workouts.

4. Talking It Out With Others
Sometimes the best form of help can come from others. If you're like me then you think that your opinion is the only one that matters when it comes to self-help, but I'm biased *wink*. I've found that whether it's in prayer or talking with a close friend, I'm able to find a new perspective with an issue I'm handling. New perspectives are often such an aha moment for me in that I am able to step out of the dilemma, stay out of my head, and create new approaches.

5. Writing
I have quite a few journals that I write in when my thoughts begin to cloud my judgement. Instead of allowing those thoughts to consume me, I've found it much easier to get them out through writing. It also becomes material that I can examine for later use.

That's it! Overall wellness is something that is very important to me. Though I sometimes still deal with stress, these are some of the techniques I apply and find effective.

I am not a professional but these are the steps that I take to help me out during overwhelming times.

Lands End

currently playing// Unstoppable by Lianne La Havas

I have had the pleasure of spending my late teens and early twenties in Northern California -- from the East Bay on up to Sacramento. As much as I complained about missing my immediate family, I would not have traded this experience for anything else.

My days of living in California are quickly coming to an end and I am now realizing how much I am going to miss it. Over the next couple of months I'm going to share some old, and possibly new, photos of my life here being a somewhat West Coast transplant.

Here we are at Lands End park/trail/shoreline and my goodness is it an experience. You get the opportunity to surround yourself with landscape and breathtaking views from the steep rocky hills or with your feet drenched in the high tide of the ocean.

This is not your typical beach, but you know what makes this one feel a little more special? The hard work you've put in to enjoy it. The hike is not extremely strenuous, but it will have you feeling it the next day from the waist down.

Driving on the San Francisco hills scares the mess out of me, so we took the BART and uber'd it around town. It also gives me a chance to view the city in all of its eccentric beauty. On this ride we dropped off another rider at the California Academy of Sciences and heard an uber drivers story of riding a man around town to find a hooker. Yikes.

Our last stop was at a delicious eatery called Brenda's French Soul Food. This was my second time eating at this location, and neither time was I disappointed with my selection. 

Experience San Francisco and put this on your list of places to visit. It is truly an unforgettable and magical experience. 

It's super hard to figure out where to start using the internet, so in your google maps enter 916 El Camino Del Mar and voila! 

10 For '15

I've never been one to truly challenge myself at the beginning of the year. This year I think that I will change that and see what making an annual to-do list can do for me. When a task arises I find it crucial to stay organized and put everything in my planner, but as soon as I reach about week 3 of that task... where is my planner again?! 

I want to be more successful with the things I put my mind to. Whether or not I succeed, I want to be able to say I executed what I planned to do. 2014 was not my absolute favorite year, but I usually see my glass as half full.