End of the Month Stress Buster

Things always get stressful near the end of the month, don't they? Bills start coming due, deadlines, and just built up stress from the weeks before. Sometimes we just need to find a way to destress at the end of the month to give ourselves a break.

So I'm going to start something I'm calling the End of the Month Stress Buster. At the end of every month, I'm going to give you one way that you can use to help get rid of some of the stress that's built up over the past month. Or maybe just over the past day from work, kids, or school.

This month's stress buster is all about getting your mind off what's stressing you out. That doesn't mean that the stress is going to go away, but it does mean that you're allowed to give yourself a break from it for a little while. Sometimes letting yourself forget about the stress for just an hour or two can do wonders for your ability to deal with the stress when you go back to it.

Here are some methods for taking your mind off your stress for an hour or two.

1. Watch a movie and get lost in it.
2. Jump wholly into a book and enjoy it, every word of it.
3. Take a walk and enjoy the sights around you.
4. Write a letter to someone you haven't seen a long time. Share a good memory.
5. Spend some time cooking your favorite meal and enjoying it. Savor how it tastes.
6. Volunteer at an animal shelter or spend time with your own pets. Unconditional love is a good stress reliever.

The first step is all about giving yourself permission to not have to worry about your stress constantly. You are allowed to not have to deal with this stress constantly, and it isn't good for you.

Your end of the month stress buster is about getting your mind off the stress for an hour or two. Give it a try.