How I’m Lowering My Stress This Year
Earlier this year, I had jaw surgery. Both of my discs were slipped — bone on bone — and one was completely crumpled. I’d never had jaw pain before. I was shocked to learn this injury that happened in December was from stress…days before Christmas. I guess that does make sense.
Recently, Chris has been laid up with a surgery he had to address years of GERD. It’s a long, painful road to recovery for him too. And I’m now the cook in the kitchen, helping out more around the house.
The truth is I’ve always believed I handled stress well. I used to say, “I just have to get through __.” And I would. It would go beautifully. Then I’d crash.
The hard part about changing? I wasn’t unhappy. I love what I do. In the moment, it feels energizing. But I’ve learned that even when my mind feels capable, my body keeps score. And mine keeps it in my jaw… and my Oura ring. HA! Recovery has been brutal. My doctor has been very clear that I HAVE to lower my stress. The whole thing has forced me to ask: What would it look like to stop living in “just get through this” mode?
Here are changes I’ve made so far or I’m working on that I thought would be helpful to share with you—especially toward the end of the school season when the school events, teacher gifts, graduation parties, and events just start to feel like overwhelm.
My Calendar:
- No more stacking events. If something big is happening, that’s enough.
- Making short, realistic to-do lists.
- Being strict about protecting my routines.
- Hiring help at work to offload what doesn’t have to be on my shoulders.
My Home
My Nervous System:
- Set my Oura ring to goal to focus on reducing stress. It reports daily on how much stress I was under and how I recovered from it.
- Asking myself often if this deadline is self-imposed or real. If something is actually urgent or just a wish.
- Opening up early and often about worries before they get heavy.
- Consciously lowering my shoulders and unclenching my jaw. (I catch myself ALL the time!!!)
- Walking outside as often as possible.
- Lowering my weights at the gym and not doing anything high-intensity. I’m going for low and slow.
- Reducing caffeine. (Actually so hard, but I’m learning it’s worth it)
- Prioritizing sleep — I even get ready for bed after dinner when I can.
I don’t think stress is a bad thing. I think that some stress is actually healthy! But I’m also learning that lowering stress isn’t about doing less of what you love. It’s about not asking my body to power through everything every day.
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