The other day I was sitting at the table recounting all the current and upcoming events that were making me frazzled. Upon hearing my complaints, my husband grabbed a piece of paper and pen and began to write. After a minute of silence, my curiosity got the best of me.

“What are you doing?”

He slid the paper across the counter and grinned. I glanced down and laughed as my eyes caught hold of the first line: Eat a donut.

In a matter of seconds, my action-oriented husband had created a little go-to list for when I’m feeling blue.

Brilliant.

Wouldn’t it be grand if we had a bug-out-bag full of ideas on how to get out of dodge when our days go south? 

If we want to survive our prolonged season of stress, we need a plan. A survival kit to scale the peaks and endure the valleys. A go-to list that will help us relax and refocus. Taking time to revisit and enjoy the little moments will help bring perspective to the bigger ones.

So we created our own personal survival kit for our stress-filled seasons. We made a list of things that would help restore peace when we’re under pressure. We actually had a ton of fun coming up with creative ideas for each other on what to do when the going gets tough!

Now when things get crazy, we have our gear to get us through the day. When I’m feeling stressed, I choose an item off the list to help me regroup. Doing something refreshing for your spirit will really help put things back into perspective!

His Stress-Survival Gear

• Go for a run
• Go for a bike ride
• Archery
• Read a book
• Hike through the woods
• Grill a piece of meat
• Watch football
• Guys Night
• Read your Bible
• Play the piano
• Play the guitar
• Play cards or a game
• Eat a bowl of ice cream
• Laugh
• Watch Jim Gaffigan videos
• Build something in the garage
• Take a nap
• Stroll through Home Depot or Lowes
• Tackle one item on the To-Do List
• Kayak
• Sit by the lake
• Golf

Her Stress-Survival Gear

• Eat a donut
• Go see a movie
• Yoga
• Archery
• Pray
• Read your Bible
• Go for a evening walk; watch the sunset
• Take deep breaths; get some fresh air
• Journal/write
• Accomplish something
• HAVE FUN!!!
• Laugh
• Put a puzzle together
• Listen to music
• Skype with the nephews
• Dance
• Tell/Read a joke
• Read a good book
• Watch Dr. Quinn (TBT TV shows)
• Go on a date (with me)
• Buy a new outfit
• Pet a furry animal
• Smile for 90 seconds twice a day
• Listen to Focus on the Family
• Go Fishing
• Drink Coffee
• Girls Day Out
• Get a massage

What things help YOU relax and unwind? What refreshes your soul? Take some time this week to think about what “gear” you would put in your own survival kit! Try doing one thing each day (or 3x a week) that reenergizes you!