Chill Out: Less Stress, More Life
Writer Pinar Tarhan
Photographer Sarah Orbanić @sarahorbanicphotos
Model Karina Elle @karinaelle
As women, we juggle so much. We try to realize our dream careers while managing family responsibilities (even when we are single), health issues and future worries, traveling for fun and sanity, meeting friends and keeping fit. As we learn more about ourselves and the world around us, our to do list only seems to grow. So how do we balance everything and make the most of our daily 24 hours without letting stress enslave us?
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Premiere Issue – 2016
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12 Tips To Help Manage Stress
1. Make sure you’re on the right career path. Do you have a job that’s both emotionally and financially fulfilling? One way to know for sure is to ask yourself: “Would I keep doing it even if I were financially secure?” More people are blazing their own trails by changing jobs, negotiating better terms or creating their own careers. Are you looking to get paid for what you love? The Paid to Exist blog might be the place to start.
“MORE PEOPLE ARE BLAZING THEIR OWN TRAILS BY CHANGING JOBS, NEGOTIATING BETTER TERMS OR CREATING THEIR OWN CAREERS.”
2. Make the best of stress. Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal’s TED talk in Edinburgh on how to make stress your friend might sound radical, but it’s based on research that has changed her own perspective. She emphasizes that we shouldn’t avoid stress at all costs, especially if it’s going to prevent us from doing something meaningful with our lives.
3. Do Something Meaningful. Give back and find your super power. In case you’re wondering if it’s possible to simultaneously make a difference in the world, have job satisfaction and make good money, consultant and entrepreneur, Ryan Eliason, has the answer in his honest and beneficial e-book called 10 Ways to Get Paid for Changing the World.
4. Humor can help! Even when dealing with serious issues. Trevor Noah and John Oliver are incredibly instrumental in this department. Oh, and don’t miss out on Stephen Colbert. However, sometimes only gals can make you laugh. If you don’t mind some irreverent humor, check out Amy Schumer. And don’t forget about Sisters, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s most recent farce.
5. Find an exercise method that doesn’t feel like work. Exercising releases endorphins, helps us watch our weight, boosts energy and assists us in living a healthier life. However, we’re less likely to do something regularly if it feels like a chore. Here are some suggestions for enjoyable workouts:
• Rollerblading should make you think of cardio and healthy leg muscles.
-It seems as though all the celebrities are cycling which can help you sleep better, protect the environment and save money.
• Lindy hop’s roots go back to the 1920s. A member of the swing dance family, the basics of this dance include learning to swing, bounce and improvise. Moreover, there are many solo jazz routines you can learn. Did we mention you can dance in your sneakers? The more advanced can move on to aerial moves. The fun music is just a perk.
• Kickboxing benefits include a solid workout, increased self-confidence and frustration release. There’s a reason some top models are opting for this method to keep fit.
• Zumba allows you to burn calories while dancing. Think of it as the more entertaining (and challenging) sister of aerobics.
• Ice-skating can help you manage your weight, and improve your balance and the condition of your joints.
6. Find balance through yoga and breathing. Yoga teaches you how to stand and breathe correctly. Other benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, spine protection, improved bone health, a stronger immune system and more. The web is a wealth of information regardless of your level. Meditate on this: Deepak Chopra, renowned spiritualist, author and public speaker has released several apps through The Chopra Center to make meditating at home a breeze
7. Make yourself a priority. Every woman needs a break. Family-time and romantic-time matter. However, even the most social and family-oriented of us need some peace and quiet, or at least time that’s meant just for us. Schedule some me-time every week, whether it’s 15 minutes or three hours. Your loved ones will be happier to spend time with a more content you.
8. Travel more often, even if it’s just mini breaks and close-to-home getaways. According to an LA Times study, traveling is the best medicine. If you don’t find traveling relaxing and energizing, maybe you haven’t discovered the destinations that work for you. Whether it’s backpacking,
camping or luxury hotels, you have limitless options. Spend time researching and you can customize your holiday plans according to any preferences with almost any budget. The Groupon Getaways app offers exclusive hotel and travel deals all over the globe!
9. Sleep well. One of the benefits of exercising regularly, managing stress well and breathing correctly is sleeping better. If you suffer from insomnia, night terrors or plain addiction to your screens, check out Night School by Professor Richard Wiseman and The Sleep Book: How to Sleep Well Every Night by Dr. Guy Meadows.
10. De-clutter your home. You might love shopping. You might be sentimental about memories and belongings, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel better after getting rid of the excess. Letting go is essential for proper time-management. Don’t know where to start? Zen Habits blog will lend a guiding hand.
“PEOPLE AROUND YOU SHOULD BRING EMOTIONAL VALUE TO YOUR LIFE, NOT TAKE FROM IT.”
11. Avoid toxic relationships. You can’t avoid certain disasters, tragedies and other problems, but you can avoid hanging around people that make you uneasy, depressed or constantly mad. You can’t change who you are related to, but you don’t have to spend more time around people who don’t care for your mind. If you’re in a toxic romantic relationship, get out. If your friends are bringing constant negativity to your life with no concern for how it makes you feel, make new ones. People around you should bring emotional value to your life, not take from it.
12. Light those scented candles. Scented candles provide more than relaxation. If you’re worried about the toxic nature of candles, opt for healthier, organic options.
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