I'm not sure if this is a breakover post as much as it is a "life happens" post, but let's face it: stress can break a body down. If you're trying to do too much or you're feeling down and pulling energy from your reserves, you're going to wear yourself out. I hope these tips will help you:
1) Set limits and say "No" - Sounds easy when you read it but it's hard for most of us. Setting barriers doesn't make you selfish, it makes you smart. Saying "No" and spending time doing the things that YOU want to do (like watching Paula Deen make magic with heart-stopping amounts of butter) enables you to heal, recharge and figure things out for yourself. Start small but work your way into a good solid string of "No thank you's" and you'll create some space to think and heal.
2) Exercise - Working out isn't about physical vanity as much as it makes good sense. Exercise releases endorphins, which help with mood and physical exertion gives you more energy and helps you sleep better. Walk around the park, take a trapeze class or hop into a yoga studio, but working out is the daily appointment that you should NEVER miss. It's non-negotiable, even if you have to get up at 5 am to fit it in.
3) Avoid activities that start with the word "over" - Overeating, overspending and overdoing are three examples of activities to avoid so you can stay away from deficits. Deficits mean you have to fill a lack or a void before you can even get back to some state of normalcy and that's before you can make things better. The best over is "over it" and that's what you're going for with this type of behavior.
4) Do not spend time with people who suck - Look, this is way more simple than you think it is. We have all reached a point in our lives where spending time with people who don't make us happy is time wasted. Hanging out with people who make you miserable or who take without giving back is a complete waste of good makeup and it takes years off your life. Cut them off and be done with it.
5) Indulge! - My favorite indulgences are great wine and amazing bubble baths with a good book. I turn off the phone, pour myself a glass of wine (and great wines are available at almost any price - ask your local wine store) and curl up with a tub full of bubbles and a good book. This weekend's picks are Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry ($7.99 - see, told you about the price), Lush's The Comforter Bubble Bar ($8.75) and The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart by Nina Garcia (Harper Collins). Don't call me tomorrow evening. This is what I will be doing.
The best investment is always made with the Bank of You and deposits are made by taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy. Start with this little list and start doing only those things that cause you to feel good when you go to sleep at night. Life is too short to spend it worn out, drained and upset and taking care of yourself is always in style.
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