Articles Tagged with: Stress

How to turn your day around in 6 easy steps!

Illustration of the beautiful Beyonce

So last night, I got 4 hours of sleep after a full crazy and hectic day of running around with back to back meetings and projects all day. This was after I had been rushing to get ready yesterday morning in under 15 minutes. If you know me, you know that 15 minutes is NOT enough time for me to get ready.

So today after a long day and week so far with 4 hours sleep (and you know I need my sleep!!) we had to get up extra early to get ready before the hot water in our building was turned off for scheduled maintenance. Yet, to my surprise the water was nothing short of frigid before the scheduled time.

This week has also been a very exciting one with amazing new projects and ton of orders, and extremely busy at the same time. Sprinkled in the mix this weekend was some personal family health issues that are thankfully now resolved. All of that combined plus I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) with last minute holiday orders that are all going out all this week.

Needless to say, I was very cranky this morning.

So today’s blog is about turning around your day. Anything from getting up on the wrong side of the bed, or even just being in a bad, angry, stressed or anxious mood at any point of the day, believe me it is totally possible.

1) First, take some extra time for YOU if you are able to.
Spend an extra 5-10 minutes in your bathrobe while you eat breakfast. Make or get a nice healthy and hearty meal for yourself that you can sit down for at least 10 minutes and slowly enjoy (as opposed to eating while pacing back and forth between the bedroom and bathroom while doing my makeup as per usual in the am!).

At any point in your day, when you feel the tone taking a turn for the worst, stop and take some time for you. Take a walk outside, grab a snack, call a friend, just do something that makes you happy that’s a quick pick me up.

2) Stop and take a nice deep breath. Center yourself and calm it down.

3) Next think of all the things you DO have, and how grateful you are for them. The heat in your apartment, your food, the fact that you even have hot water to be turned off for maintenance, your clothes, your work, family, significant other and friends etc. The list can go on and on but literally think of all the things that you are grateful for, especially this time of year.

It’s so easy to get in the “wrong” holiday mood -I’m talking about Grinch mode here – with all the festiveness, crowds, spending and holiday marketing pressuring you to feel happy. Sometimes it just has an adverse effect.

Now is the time to center into what it really means for YOU to enjoy the holidays, and that doesn’t mean blowing your bank account on things you think you need to be spending on. Things like family, friends and how much we have already are really important things to remind yourself of, particularly when around every corner you are being prompted to also NEED this new shiny thing.

4) Treat yourself. Today I treated myself with a grande… did I say grande? I mean Venti soy Oprah Chai latte, an Ethos water and a gluten free, dairy free chocolate peanut butter cup pack from Justin’s organic at Starbucks. The $10 I spent was completely worth it since I have a long time ago cut off my Starbucks spending unless for things that I deem “special occasions”. To me, “special occasions” qualify as getting 4 hours sleep and deserving to feel good and awake at my next meeting.

You decide what you need for the day.

5) Listen to your body. Lately I have been feeling claustrophobic with all the winter layers I have been wearing, so today I opted for bulkier, baggier more comfortable yes still obviously chic apparel. Your body knows what it needs, even those little details, so listen to it closely.

6) And if all else fails, use this little trick that I leaned a while ago from one of my spiritual guru’s seminars. Sing to yourself (in your head please) to the tune of any of your favorite songs, but because it’s being played everywhere I have been signing it lately to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is you.” I changed the words I my head to repeating the mantra “I’m so grateful”. Now sing it in your head to that tune and fill the words in that you want. Trust me this may sounds silly, juvenile or whatever you want to say but it is guaranteed to make you feel better, happy and grateful and a sure fire way to turn around your day.

Hope that helps on a day that you need the extra inspiration!!!

Xoxox
Emily.

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August 7, 2014

Diamond in the Rough

Everyone is capable of being their own brilliant diamond.

“Diamonds are nothing more then chunks of carbon that stuck to their job.” -Malcolm Forbes

Diamonds are the most indestructible element on earth, and yet they were formed of crushing pressure and intense heat. The diamonds that shine the brightest are the ones that have gone through the most intense of ringers.

We as humans are put through constant pressure and trials in order to polish our sharp edges and create a dazzling luster – one that anyone could see from miles away.

“Never dim your light just because it is shining in people’s eyes.” – anon.

Being where ever you may, perhaps the farthest out of your element can be the perfect training ground to polish your diamond in the rough.

Take a look at where you are getting pressure, what triggers something big or painful for you and note that is where you will begin to create your own diamond. What are you avoiding? What is pinning you up against the wall? Take note and get comfortable in the face of uncertainty.

You will never become that diamond if you don’t feel your fear and do it anyway.

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo
Emily

If you’re looking for an added dose of inspiration, check out my girl health coach Arielle Haspel’s new cooking series with Glamour Magazine that just launched last Friday. Here is the first episode. Watch here to catch her creating an easy-to-make, guilt-free summer dessert.

Also check out her recent style feature here!

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

July 30, 2014

Unplug

I just arrived back from Miami this weekend

and it was one amazing time!

I got the chance to unwind, soak in the ocean for what seemed like hours upon hours and have deep conversations with my best friend (my soon-to-be husband). We talked about our future, our life, some crazy inventions, and our dreams. It was really magical.

We relaxed, we went out, we enjoyed ourselves, we did wedding planning at our GORGEOUS destination wedding venue. We met with the vendors we booked, the vendors we are interviewing and with our wedding planner. All the meetings went superbly. It was just so perfect!

Then, the fun and crazy bachelorette party for my girl who is practically my sister came out with her sisters, and best friends to dance the nights away. It was such a fun week and weekend!

I feel so blessed and grateful to have been able to have this amazing experience. I think this year is really the first time in my life when I am the happiest I think I have ever been. I have been relying SO much more on the Universe, on God, on my “Light Team” (those who have passed in my family) and on my intuition for guidance, for direction and to TRUST that I will be provided for. It wasn’t an easy path, and day-by-day I need to remind myself not to stress and to trust that everything will work out for the best.

I think that I finally learned the concept that “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and wait with out anxiety.” – ACIM

By trusting and KNOWING everything will be alright, that you will have that happily ever after one day, that you can love and people can love you right back, and that everything you need will be provided….some how everything just seems to fall into place. The Universe will conspire to create the world that you are trusting in, whether that be stress and anxiety – or support and peace.

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you will always be right.” – Henry Ford. This quote can be applied to the vision for your life. If you think you will be happy and safe you will. If you think you are the victim and you will live in uncertainty, so too will be true.

When there was nothing but clear blue ocean and me and my fiancé, It was so nice to connect and have no distractions. When I had time alone on our balcony to just people watch, stare at the ocean and day dream, I could finally find that inner peace that we so long for everyday.

Life is not a continuous vacation where we all can have time to just think and to just BE, but we can make it feel that way and incorporate this peace into our daily lives.

By unplugging, taking away all of your distractions, going on a walk or meditating for as long as you have time for – you will find that inner peace too and will be able to carry it with you on your day.

When you unplug you can tune in to your internal truth and universal guidance. You will be brought back to the knowing that you will be provided for, that all the pieces will fall into place and that our third world catastrophes are really just distractions from the main things we are here to experience – connection, love and happiness.

We are wired for freedom, connection and joy so take the chance, unplug and connect.

As always,
Hope that inspires you!
xoxox
Emily

And to follow me on my next adventure in Colorado starting today….
Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

June 12, 2014

The Art of Party Planning for the Stressed out Bride To Be

When thinking of a topic for this week’s blog, fortunately or unfortunately nothing else is dominating my mind more then engagement party and wedding party planning.

I am RIGHT in the thick of it, and by thick I mean woahhhhh – stressful!!!

Our engagement party is just about one week away and I am thrilled that my family is flying in from Florida and Chicago to be with us!!! I can’t wait!!! We tried to keep it extremely small, or as small as possible by only inviting family and the wedding party yet it kind of feels like we are planning a mini wedding.

And not to mention it – on top of that we really are planning our wedding, and although it is now less than 1 year away, it is a destination wedding so there is a lot of extra work involved, for example regarding notifying people early and travel accommodations.

Me being the overly ambitious person that I am, I decided to hand design and make all of my invitations so far and oversee many details. This for me is the fun part, and honestly no one else could bring my vision to life like I can, being a designer and all – that is kinda like my calling card – however it did add a lot more things to my task list.

Any way I am here to help if you are party planning by taking as much stress out of it as possible by learning from and avoiding some of my own mistakes and from some of the tips and tricks I have picked up from my now married friends who have been through it all. So here goes….

1) MEDITATE. Trust me you will need it to help you clear your mind and lower your blood pressure. This is like a chill pill for your body, mind and soul. Take one every day!

2) Schedule “me time”. Taking time to appreciate yourself is super important to help you feel centered and taken care of when you are getting torn in a million directions. Try to work out, this will help you de-stress and feel like you are doing something good for your body!

3) Remember you will NEVER be able to please everyone. Every single person in your family, your future husband’s family, your distant families and friends will all have an opinion and they probably will not keep it to themselves, good or bad. Sometimes this is helpful – other times it is hurtful but it is what it is and it is YOUR job to sort through it, make a decision with your future husband and commit to it.

4) Set boundaries and be clear about your feelings. This is YOUR wedding after all and EVERY single person who has been married or is recently married told me that at the end of the day, they worried too much about what others thought and didn’t even get to enjoy some parts for themselves that they agonized over. Remember its a PARTY, and its YOUR PARTY!!!!

5) ICKY sh*t will come up: Finances, etiquette, personal history, personal preferences and more. If you think its uncomfortable to talk about, get ready because for some reason wedding planning seems to be the perfect place that this will come up. Don’t stress. Take this as a good thing because,… well I can’t think of a good reason, but just try to see the bright side! Now that you talked about this crap, you can now move past it. Know that everyone has touchy subjects. Some people are offended or bothered by certain things, so now you know and you can navigate wisely, but still taking the last points into consideration.

6) Breathe.

7) Remember to look at the big picture. You are planning an amazing party to celebrate your love and future marriage. You are WAY too Blessed to be Stressed. Yes, I know it does happen though. The stress is natural. Even if you were planning a big office event or a fashion show, more tasks = more people to coordinate with = more stress and that’s just the way it goes. Stay cool, know that it will all work out and trust that no one will know if you don’t choose the right paper for your save the dates or if your specific shade of lilac is not the same for all vendors (ahem, our wedding color: oh Lilac why are you so elusive).

And on that note…. Happy planning!!!!!!! Haha!

Check me out as a feature on TheStyleLine.com interviewed by the amazing Rachel Schwartzmann!!!!

Also don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel and my new account for all things fashion illustration @EmilyBrickelillustration

Hope that inspires you!
xoxo

Emily

April 11, 2013

How to Zap Stress

So last week I had been incredibly stressed.

I had been dealing with an unusual work situation and one that was causing major havoc in the moment. My stomach has been in knots, and it has caused a migraine, backache, major stomach ache and definitely sleep loss.

How do you come back from a stint like that? Remember that you need to get back on your game and get back to work.

1. First address the Giant.

You have to learn to face confrontation head on and stand up for what you believe in a way that is authentic and true to how you are feeling. Get it off your chest, but always play fair. Remember karma is a bigger b*tch then you or I could ever be! Let the flow of energy run its course. Do what you can to clean up your side of the street. When you have done all you can do and the ball is not in your court, give it up to the universe. Try to relax and trust that everything will work out. If you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry; instead pray for it to be resolved for the highest good of both parties involved (as my mentor Gabrielle Bernstein would say).

Now that you did what you could…

2. Warm it up.

The best thing to do to reduce stress; as soon as you feel it coming on is to get warm. Go put on a cozy sweater, take a walk over to the heater in the winter or go outside for a stroll in the sun. Warming up your body will get that frigid chill of your back, release muscle tension, and calm your anxiety levels.

3. Eat your cravings.

I know it sounds counter productive and a surefire way to gain weight if you emotionally eat every time you are stressed, so DON’T. However, sometimes if you are REALLY stressed and you eat SMART cravings you can actually reduce the levels of chemicals in your body that are in freak-out mode and increase the one’s with calming effects.

Your body intuitively knows what foods you need and if you are craving chocolate – there’s usually a scientific reason why.

Dark chocolate reduces the levels of stress hormone cortisol as well as the “fight-or-flight” hormones called catecholamines. Coco is also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids which are linked to numerous health benefits.

Peanut butter is high in tryptophan, a chemical that helps the body relax and the brain produce “mood improving chemicals”. Nuts are full of vitamin B, the vitamins that help stress. Almond butter is especially high in these vitamins so reach for that healthy alternative if you crave peanut butter frequently and down want the high glycemic rush.

Bananas are rich in calcium and potassium, which helps to relieve anxiety, stress and lower blood pressure.

So when you’re stressed make a lethal anxiety killer on a plate – Bananas topped with peanut butter and chocolate. Oh what a torturous Rx indeed! (Sarcasm)

4. Meditate.

Now that your body feels nourished, time to relax your soul. Sit for 5-10 minutes in meditation or listen to some zen-ed out music. My favorite meditation choice right now is Oprah & Deepak’s 21 day meditation challenge. The free Challenge just ended but you can purchase the meditations here. They. are. AWESOME.

5. Write it out.

Now to calm our mind. Now that you have given your body and soul a chance to get back in balance, take pen to paper (or hand to keyboard) and vent it out. It’s not likely other people will relish in your stressed out angry venting so don’t rub that energy off on them. Write it out to clear your mind, write what you are feeling and what you are going through. If you need to do this before and after you meditate, the meditation will surely give you a clearer perspective on things and the ability to forgive your foes so you can get back to better things, like being happy!

Just remember, when you are stressed on a work day its hard to step away and calm yourself. However – if you don’t you will be carrying those stressful vibes with you on everything you do. Imagine this: Your work project will get some fiery comments, perhaps some errors and any phone calls or in-person meetings you may have – the person on the receiving side may get the brunt end of the stick. You could lose a deal, a client or just blow your lid in front of an important decision maker. Not a cute look!

Warning: Don’t let this happen to you!

Step away from the situation and take some time out to regroup. It could be 10 minutes or it could be an hour but you will leave that stress at the door and be able to get back in the groove in no time! Everyone will appreciate it.

Hope that inspires you!

Xoxo