It’s been a crazy few weeks.

DH has been busy with end-of-term meetings, presentations and the like. I’ve been in charge of scheduling contractors for lingering punch-list items including a sink replacement — it is SO much fun to have your children visiting when you can’t use the kitchen sink –, replacing two window blinds that had arrived damaged, painter touch-ups, fixing the garage door, etc. Plus finding someone to clean the windows, finding someone to cut the grass, and everything else we have to squeeze in before we leave for the summer.

I don’t do well with stress. (Does anyone?) So I try to remind myself to do these simple things:

1. Walk whenever possible.  We now live about a quarter mile from the supermarket so, instead of driving over when I need a few things, I take the rolling grocery cart or a couple of shopping bags and walk there.  It takes longer but is weirdly relaxing.
2. Buy flowers.  They smell lovely, look pretty, feel indulgent, and improve air quality.
3. Spend time alone. Go for a stroll, take a bath, exercise, give yourself a facial… whatever clears your head (literally or otherwise).
4. Read or watch something funny.  Laughter is the ultimate stress buster.
5. Do something creative. It doesn’t have to be award winning or museum quality: Bake, garden, rearrange your closet —  anything that fuels your imagination.
6. De-clutter. If there’s no time for a full reorg, even neat piles on my desk help me feel more in control.
7. Simplify entertaining when you’re short on time. Unless you find it relaxing to make a fancy dessert or bake bread, don’t bother. Your friends want to spend time with you, not admire your gourmet prowess.
8. Do the dishes tomorrow.  Guests stayed late? Put the food away and let the dishes soak overnight.
9. Don’t overschedule. This usually happens because I (and you, too?) want to make everyone happy, often at our own expense. Be realistic about how much you can fit into a given day. If you have to cancel, do so as early as possible to minimize other people’s inconvenience or disappointment. And try not to feel guilty.
10. Remember to breathe.  Inhaling lavender helps.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Special shout-out to MSW blog for more thoughts on this topic.