This weekend I take the biggest exam of my life. Like, it's huge. Like, all weekend long huge. Like, all on the line. Like, woah.

Okay I won't say "like" anymore.

To sum up, WREB is my license examination wherein I show my clinical competency in dentistry. Holy tomatoes.

As you can imagine, my stress level is off le charts. It is like a chaotic fiesta in my head. Throughout my education, stress has been my constant companion. We wear BFF necklaces. How I handle stress has changed and evolved throughout the years, so I won't bore you with all the deets, but here are a few things that help me de-stress and provide much needed stress relief as of late.

Fake it 'til you make it.

When I am feeling particularly frazzled, there is something about a long, hot shower, a fresh face of makeup, a pretty hair-do, and my nice jeans that make the craziness on the inside feel more ordered. My brain may be cluttered and crazy, but when I feel put together on the outside I can focus on the task at hand. The same thing goes for an uncluttered space around me. When my home is clean and not messy, I can also work on the things that elevate my stress and deal with them accordingly.

Enjoy a beverage.

In the morning, I like to start with a cup of coffee or a nice cappuccino. The warmth of the sweet and creamy goodness help me start the day off with a bang and get s*** done. I also try to drink as much water as possible throughout the day. Dehydration makes me cranky, so NOTHANKS. And after a stressful day (like every day lately), I enjoy a nice glass of red wine and have some girl talk. There is something cathartic and stress relieving about a nice vent sesh...and some EtOH.

Curl up with a book.

I am a book worm, ya'll know that. Whether I can carve out an hour or just five minutes, an escape into a good book can do wonders for my soul. Try it, I swear you'll love it.

Date night.

Ew, I know I said it, date night. Sounds cheesy right? Well I'll say it again, DATE NIGHT. Or day or afternoon or morning or Tuesday... You know what I mean. Paul and I specifically carve out time to spend with one another. We watch a movie, make a meal, or do some activity that is not on the to-do list or required of us. He eases my stress more than he knows.

Slobbery baby kisses.

My life as a mother has drastically changed...in the best way possible. Although motherhood is stressful enough, gazing into the eyes of my sweet girl just melts the world away. As I watch her play and discover, I feel one zillion times better. The crazy, stress-ball, frenzied side of me gets to put her feet up and smother an angel in kisses. Ain'tnothingbetta.

My stress is great, but the rewards are greater.