how emily handles stress

emily is a long-time client of sS, turned front desk associate and now, esthetician in training! she's gone through quite a few growth spurts this year (changed careers, got licensed as an esthetician, started 2 new jobs - reception and esthetics at skinSALVATION, and got married!) and thus, has had her fair share of busy- and sometimes stressful times. it's been years since i've tried to coax her to joining sS, and we are super lucky + happy to have her as part of our team! -kim --

if i don’t put a real effort into managing stress, my default mode is to be a stress case. i put a lot of effort into managing it so that i can be the best version of myself, for myself and the people i love and interact with everyday. here’s a glimpse into my stress management toolbox: meditation is the cornerstone of my approach to handling stress. i especially like body scan meditations to get me back in my body/reality. you can search “body scan meditation” on youtube and find a plethora. i also like this one for when i really need a reset and a reminder that everything is ok. if i don’t even have five minutes to spare, i follow the steps below. i got this technique from here.

get comfortable. adjust your posture (whether sitting, standing, laying down) so that you are in the most comfortable position possible
do a quick scan from head to toe, relaxing each muscle as you move down from head to toe. you can imagine a warm golden glow moving down your body if that helps. this can be done in as little as 5 seconds if you are in a rush, but ideally it would take about 30 seconds-1 minute
smile inwardly and remind yourself that holding onto stress and resentments is silly
take 4 slow, deep breaths and feel the relaxation moving down your body with each out breath. slowly open your eyes after the fourth breath

if other people are stressing me out and i find myself easily annoyed, i try to do a quick spot check inventory to put a stop to the downward spiral of resentments. i’ve included some questions that really help put a hex on unhealthy thoughts - but just a warning, they aren’t always fun to answer. give them a shot next time you’re feeling super stressed at a person or circumstance, i promise it will at minimum change your perspective on the situation.

why am I angry?
what are my expectations?
what am I failing to accept? (accepting opinions of others doesn't mean I agree with them)
do I need to be right instead of happy?
what have I done in the past to set this ball rolling? (trains of circumstances)
am I being loving and tolerant?
where have I been selfish or inconsiderate?
where have I been dishonest?
where have I been self-seeking?
where have I been frightened?
where was I to blame?
what should I have done instead?

basic miscellaneous tips:

i try not to let myself get too hungry because when my blood sugar gets low my mood gets crazy. eating breakfast helps me avoid getting too hungry throughout the day. if you're like me and don't always feel hungry in the morning, i have found that smoothies and oatmeal are an easy way to get some calories quick, and i can drink/eat them fast on my way out the door.
having two dogs forces me to focus on something other than myself. i start out each day walking my dogs for at least twenty minutes. i get fresh air, exercise, and connection to my community just by walking around the 'hood. it helps me more than my pups even know!
to get settled at night i drink this and this, plus take 3 of these. i try to stay off my phone and not watch anything too scary on tv before bed so that i don’t get all riled up.