Good morning friends.

As i put together last minute files, set an away message, prep estimates and mocks, i think of how stressful it is to take a few days off and step away from beloved work. Stress? I shouldn’t be stressed. I’m heading to the beach for much needed rest and relaxation. I know once we hit the road, i’ll be fine. However, leaving my work is {almost} like leaving a child. Ok, so i don’t know what that feels like {yet}, but i can pretend.

I realize that talking about stress is out of the norm for me on this blog, but i really wanted to share with you all and perhaps even help. Not that i am some self-professed designer-doctor, but you never know what cord you might hit by putting thoughts out there.

Through owning a business and all of the “hats” that come with it, i have tried to keep balance in both my personal and professional lives. It is tricky, but i have found that happy medium that keeps me happy, creative, motived and most of all, a healthy relationship with my number 1, my husband. Part of making all of it happen was to realize that work will always be there, creative juices flow better on a good night sleep and some time away from my iMac.

So, here goes! Please feel free to add yours in the comments too. I love hearing about everyone else’s stress busters too!

1. Take a Mental Health Break: Make some time each day to devote to yourself. Sometimes even 10-30 minutes really can help. Read a book, soak in the bath, write in a journal or a blog. For me, i love my spinning and pilates classes. Not only is it great physically for me, mentally as well.

2. Laughter is the Best Medicine: Find what makes you laugh. It could be as simple as watching “I Love Lucy” reruns or listening to your favorite comedian. {i have a few in iTunes that i play while working too}! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learning to laugh at yourself may very well change the way stress affects your life.

3. Be Good to Your Body: This goes along with #1 for me, but regular exercise can help direct your attention away from daily stress. And, it may continue to a feeling of mental well-being.

4. Develop a Positive Attitude: Try to view negative situations in a positive way. There is always a positive within every negative. Find it, focus on it. Practicing a self-task that emphasizes the “i can” attitude, rather than the “would have”, “could have” or “should have” will make a world of difference.

What are your stress busters? Is it a certain tea? Taking a walk? Relaxation and energy feed creativity to me!