Stress busters for tough times
Published 1:30 am Sunday, November 20, 2016
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us they serve up a double helping of stress. This year it is worse than ever.
No matter whom you voted for in this past election, you probably know someone who has considered unfriending you on Facebook. Half of your family members might think the other half is [fill in the blank] stupid, hoodwinked, racist or evil. Where does Thanksgiving fit into any of that?
Do you fake a smile and pretend like your relative’s ill-conceived, uneducated and possibly dangerous political opinions do not annoy the snot out of you, or do you tell him what’s what over mashed potatoes?
Forget the turkey dinner; just pass the whiskey and wine.
There has got to be a better way to deal with all of this. I cannot control other people, but I can control myself. That is why I have put together what I like to call my “Healing Emergency Love Leaks Negativity Out” list. When social media, news pundits, or that one cousin you have not seen in a while get you down, break out the HELL NO and melt away stress.
1. Take a shower and use up all the hot water.
2. Brew a cup of tea.
3. Trace your hand on paper and feel how it tickles.
4. Floss your teeth in the morning, and feel superior about it all day.
5. Turn up the radio in the car and sing along.
6. Put hand lotion on your elbows.
7. Google dank memes.
8. Lie on the carpet, stare up at the ceiling and pretend like you live in an upside-down land.
9. Stretch like a cat.
10. Glean your pantry for the food bank.
11. Cozy up next to the heater vent and read the comics.
12. Eat soup for dinner.
13. Walk around the block.
14. Obsessively flip your water bottle.
15. Admire your baby photos.
16. Find your gloves and put them in your coat pockets as a surprise present to yourself.
17. Bury your nose in laundry straight from the dryer.
18. Make a paper airplane.
19. Give someone you love a hug.
20. Smile the next time you see a stranger.
Many people in America are hurting right now for a variety of reasons.
This Thanksgiving my prayer is that all of our hearts grow big enough to listen to our friends’ concerns.
Jennifer Bardsley is an Edmonds mom of two, and author of the book “Genesis Girl.” Find her online on Instagram @the_ya_gal, Twitter @jennbardsley or at teachingmybabytoread.com.
