Sunday Stress

   

     The end of the weekend, and the beginning of the week. Also known as one of the most stressful days of the week. I find that the reason people become stressed on a sunday (mostly at night) is due to procrastination. Now don't take me the wrong way, I myself am a HUGE procrastinator and I constantly find myself drifting away ad doing random things. Its a natural instinct, especially when what you have to do is not interesting. Anyway, I have come up with a few ways that really does help to take off the sunday-night stress. Give them a try and leave me  comment to let me know any worked good for you!

How to Relieve Sunday Night Stress:
1. Schedule 
     You don't have to go crazy with this one and schedule every second of your weekend, but if you can then make a rough copy of your weekend. I like to take a piece of paper and write down all that needs to get done during the weekend. I then take sometime to organize when I am going to do each thing. This helps me to focus on what needs to get done, so I don't procrastinate and leave everything for the last minute.

2. Plan Ahead
     This may sound like the first tip, but its different. This doesn't involve doing actual "work", but it does set you up for a successful week. I you are going to a certain event/place during the week then make sure you have an idea of what you are going to wear/how you are going to get there/directions ect. It will help a lot to know these things in advance because it will take way stress from not just a sunday night, bit also the entire week!

2. Relax
     Now that you have finished all of your work (because you have planned it in advance) you should have some free time. This should be a couple hours or so before you go to sleep because it will help you wind down. At this time, I usually take a nice bubble bath, have some tea, and then cuddle up with my computer and watch an episode of Friends (Call me basic, but its a great show!). If you don't have as  much free time then you could make a hot chocolate, read a couple pages in a book, paint your nails, ect. Sometimes I will even sit on my floor, close my eyes, and take a few deep breathes. This lets me exhale all of my stress and breathe in fresh air which allows me to conquer the new week ahead.

Snack Time!

Apples and Strawberries dipped in Hummus= fiber, nutrient, and protein friendly :)

      Whether your in-between meals or just want a little something to hold you over, snacks are great! There are both good sides and bad sides to snacking. Good: it can help balance the different nutrients that you are receiving in every meal. Bad: Many people over eat when snacking and tend to get a little of control (I do, and a lot!). Here are some tips to make sure you are a happy and healthy snacker!

1. Choose Wisely: There are so many tempting snacks out there (chips, sweets, soda, ext.),but make sure you choose the healthiest option! I tend to go for protein-filled/fiber-filled foods because they keep you full longer.

2. Portion: put your food in a bowl/plate and provide yourself with the appropriate portions before you eat. This will prevent you from over eating and going past the serving size. *make sure to put the food away after you make your portions, so you don't go back for more*

3.Take your time: Don't scarf down your meal! If you chew slowly and let your mouth absorb the flavors then you are more likely to feel more full. You don't have to chew so slowly, but make sure you really taste the flavors in the food.