Embracing the Stresses and Blessings of Our Beautifully Messy Lives

Embracing the Stresses and Blessings of Life

Life has a funny way of keeping us on our toes. We all face stresses everyday—a traffic jam making us late for work, endless emails piling up in our inbox, squabbling kids who need to be dropped off at soccer practice and music lessons. But even in the chaos, there are so many blessings sprinkled in too—a smile from a stranger, a glorious sunset, a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen. This is life, stresses and blessings intertwined together.

Learning to Balance the Scales

When stresses start to overwhelm blessings, it’s easy to become “stressed, blessed and coffee obsessed.” Let’s be honest, coping with life’s everyday stresses requires an enormous amount of energy. We’re often running on fumes—physically, mentally and emotionally. No wonder so many of us self-medicate with coffee, using caffeine to spur us along. A cup or two to jumpstart the morning is fine, but when coffee becomes an unhealthy obsession, it’s time to reset the scales and build more blessings into each day.

Cultivating Daily Gratitude

Gratitude helps tip the scales back toward blessings. When we actively recognize all the good around us, life feels less stressful. Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude sleep better, have lower blood pressure and stronger connections to others. Fortunately, cultivating gratitude doesn’t require big investments of time or money. Even small efforts can make a difference.

Easy Ways to Build Gratitude Into Your Day

Start a gratitude journal. Jot down 2-3 things you’re grateful for every morning and evening. Reflect on not just the big stuff, but also the small joys—a bright blue sky, kids’ laughter, a favorite song on the radio.

Share gratitude with loved ones. Text a friend or family member something you appreciate about them. Thank colleagues for their efforts. Write thank you notes. Gratitude is contagious!

Give thanks before meals. Pause briefly before eating to consciously think about all the people and efforts behind the food in front of you. Feel fortunate.

Put reminders around your home and office. Post sticky notes, photos or inspirational quotes to trigger gratitude when you need it most.

Living “Stressed, Blessed and Coffee Obsessed”

Even small daily gratitude practices can make a big difference, helping rebalance stresses with blessings. But realistically, most of us still need our coffee too! We embrace being “stressed, blessed and coffee obsessed” because we‘re works in progress. We may never reach that zen-like state of perfect peace and balance with stresses and blessings harmonized. But with gratitude, we can continue progressing to our better, more caffeinated selves. Here's to enjoying both the stresses and blessings life brings! Now pass the coffee.

FAQs

Why does gratitude help balance out stresses?

Actively cultivating gratitude shifts our mindset to focus less on life's stresses and more on its many blessings. Studies show grateful people have more positive emotions, stronger relationships, improved sleep, lower blood pressure and an overall greater sense of well-being.

What are some easy ways to be more grateful every day?

Start small by doing things like keeping a gratitude journal, pausing before meals to give thanks, texting friends and family to share appreciations, and posting inspirational quotes and photos around your home or office. Even tiny efforts can make a difference.

Is it realistic to eliminate all stress?

For most people, some amount of stress will always be part of daily life. Rather than trying to eliminate stresses altogether, it’s more sustainable to cultivate gratitude and positive emotions to counterbalance daily stresses.

Is coffee bad if you're stressed and obsessed?

Coffee in moderation is fine for most people. The problem comes when excessive caffeine is used to compensate for unhealthy stress levels and lack of sleep. Aim for balance by addressing root causes of stress, building in more blessings and using coffee consciously, not compulsively.