#the lack of oxygen makes me extra bitchy

[moody-b1tch]

For fic writers:

When someone has an anaphylactic shock, the EpiPen just buys you time. It doesn't stop the allergic reaction.

A character shouldn't be 100% okay after getting the shot.

After using the EpiPen, you still need to go to the hospital. It's effects only last between 20 and 30 minutes before wearing off. You know, so they don't asphyxiate while you take them to the hospital, where they will give you other medication, maybe intubate you, maybe pump your stomach. Sometimes, you need a second shot (the pens usually come in packages of two).

[theloveshackchronicles-blog]

How I Deal With Stress

Statistics show an astronomical percentage of how many moms find their lives stressful. I believe 96% of women feel they are far more stressed than their mothers were when raising them. New age. New problems. Right?

I don't know about you! But, 2017 came equipped with many stressors! MANY! Now with the New Year quickly approaching, I have come up with small ways of tackling my stressors before they attack me. Maybe they will be some help to you:

1: Recognize your signs of stress-Your body will warn you that it's reaching levels of stress before you actually can say "wow, I am stressed" For example, my body will get irritable relatively quicker than it would normally. I catch myself snapping back at people who don't deserve it. My blood pressure feels a little higher than normal around times of stress. I also get very shaky and tend not to eat as much... if at all. When I see the first signs of loss of appetite, that's when I know I am too stressed and need to chill out.

2: Take Breaks/ Naps: I LOVE sleep... I love lamp...jk. But sleep and I go way back! Being a new mom meant those naps and sleeping in on the weekends were over! I wake up really early to get to work so after a while, my body adjusted to lack of sleep. But it catches up, man!! ESPECIALLY when you're so used to being a heavy and long sleeper. I noticed that by Thursday of each week, my body has had enough. Wednesdays, I usually try to take it easy after work. We do a light dinner so there won't be as much prep or clean up. I'll even squeeze in a nap while my youngest takes his typical 2 hour afternoon nap. But either way..nap or not, I give myself a day a week to just move a little slower. I don't try to complete deadlines. I don't schedule food shopping or hanging out on those days. I like to call these my "After Work Mental Health Days" And once your husband sees improvement in your attitude, he won't be such a jerk about letting you nap sometimes ;-)

3:BREATHE!!!!!: OMG! When stressors are high, I literally forget to breathe. Like during child birth! I would just hold my breath and hope to die hahahaha. But seriously, you must focus on steady breathing when you're gonna lose your shit. It helps all the blood flow through your body and allows that oxygen to get to your brain and allow you to make clear judgments. You ever see someone so mad that their face is red like the angry emoji? That's because he or she isn't breathing. They are so stressed and angry that all the blood is rushing to their head and literally clouding their ability to be rational. Don't be the angry emoji. Just breathe!

4: Laugh!: Laughter is therapy. We all know that. Make sure you have a friend or relative who can make you smile from time to time. Or at home, put on classic funny movies that you and your family can all enjoy. We are movie critics at home and have quite the extensive DVD library so far. Playing a funny movie in the background while you prepare dinner can help distract your mind from all the bull crap it had to sustain all day. I also YouTube funny videos of people falling on ice (because I am that person who falls on ice)

5: Get SEXY and drink water!: Stress makes me feel so unattractive. Because I "have no time", I tend to take less care of myself. I will wear hats instead of doing my hair. I'll wear hoodies to avoid ironing a blouse. There just isn't time damnit!!!!!!! But find some! You don't have to be fleeky all day,every day. Come on! But, you don't have to represent your circumstance either. I hate the whole "are you okay" whenever I don't look the part. Like damn, am I really showing in my appearance how shitty my life is right now? When you're feeling a little stress, wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual so you can straighten your hair or apply eye shadow to your makeup. When you look good, you feel good. Freshly shaven legs always do it for me. I really feel like I have my life together when my legs are soft ;-) My skin also looks grey when I am stressed. IDK why. It always has a green hue to it lol. Consuming water regularly helps maintain your glow!

6: Write lists: Get in the habit of carrying a journal or having a dry erase board at home. Some place where you can write things down on thought. I am forgetful as all hell and don't always use my phone for notes or calendars. I have not yet adjusted to tech life in that way. I like to use really nice, smooth writing pens. I like to physically write. It releases some of my nervous energy. It's also pretty cool when you read back on some of your entries and can see for yourself how much you've grown.

7: Talk!!!!!: My problem with stress is shutting down and not accepting help. It causes soooo much unnecessary hardship on your relationship when you do that. Speak up. When you feel those stressors, tell your lover that you're sorry if you've been a little off. You just have a lot going on and  need some extra help this month. More likely than not, the person will appreciate you giving them the heads up and will be more willing to help relieve some stress. When you're walking around kicking shit, mumbling under your breath and being just plain obnoxious for attention don't get butt hurt when nothing changes. When he asks "what's wrong"  and you say "nothing"... DO NOT get upset when he doesn't try to fix it. Our men are not mind readers. And sometimes we need to just say hey, its not you, its me! I have gotten really comfortable with my love. I'll tell him straight up. " I am getting my period and my emotions are not normal. If I seem a little on the bitchy side, I am sorry' It works better than the alternative.  He also keeps track of my menstrual so that he can prepare himself for cry baby, Christine. Or impatient Christine. It helps being with someone who is willing to try anything to help you. I do the same for him. Nothing changes if nothing changes! 

8: Take it day by day! Take your time. Stop putting so much on your plate. You are already super mom, super wife, super employee. You do it all! But it ALL doesn't have to be done right now! Set up a schedule for yourself. Sometimes I take an hour or two and pretend to be my own personal assistant. I schedule appointments and plan things (in my journal) and make minor tweaks here and there as things change (they're always fucking changing) So don't kill yourself trying to make things perfect! Slow and steady wins the race!

9: Spend time with your kids! : Kids are so damn awesome!! I have always loved kids for their innocence and ability to make fun out of nothing!! Me dancing to warm up after being outside in the cold is funny to my kids! As easy as making a fool out of myself for my kids can bring them a smile which in turn warms me up inside. Watching my boys use their imagination puts me in my place. Stop being so literal. Observing my kids play and seeing them look up at me to confirm I am still there makes me realize how much I am needed and wanted.

10: Have faith in something: I won't get Godly. I won't even ask you to pray. But believe in something better than yourself. Give thanks for your good health, your job, your family. Always remain humble and grateful.

I hope these tips can help you find some daily relief!