Stress has become a natural way of living for so many people. In fact, many people are stressed to the max on a daily basis and the scary thing is they don’t even realize it. Being stressed has become a normal way of living for them and that is a very scary thing because stress is so detrimental to our mental and physical wellbeing. Stress is that silent killer that has a methodical way of destroying the body.
Not all stress is bad or wreaks havoc on our wellbeing. In fact, having low levels of stress in our lives is actually a good thing. It allows us to grow, expand, improve and get things done. It’s just that so many people are beyond having low levels of stress that instead of improving they are retracting, contracting and shrinking in their mind, body and spirit.
Eliminating stress does not have to be difficult, but the first thing to do is to learn to recognize when your stress level has gone from the low, healthy levels of stress to the moderate or extreme levels of stress or “killer” levels of stress.
If you think that it’s impossible to eliminate stress completely, that may be a fact. However, the amount of stress and the intensity of stress that you allow into your mind and body are all under your control. So in essence, you do have the power to eliminate stress from your life.
If you have ten minutes or less, you can take control and eliminate the stress within you.
Ready to take control of your life?
Check out how you can do this if you have 10 minutes or less:
If you have 1 minute,
Trigger a pressure point. It turns out that your body has a stress-release button that is accessible to you at any given time. This release button is between the tendons, two or three finger widths below the center of your inner wrist. Research shows that using your finger to apply pressure to this point has a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Balance your breath. If you ever take the time to notice that when you’re stressed your breathing increases and your breaths become more shallow. By slowing down your breathing and taking deeper breaths where you allow your abdominal muscles to fully expand and contract, you help the body to decrease the release of the stress hormone cortisol. This is the hormone responsible for the flight or fight mode within your body. To assist you with making this as easy as possible, place your hand on your abdomen, inhale and exhale through your nose for counts of five in and out. Do this for a full minute and you will start to feel the tension leave your body. This also great to do before an important meeting or discussion and allows you to stay on top of your game.
By slowing down your breathing and taking deeper breaths where you allow your abdominal muscles to fully expand and contract, you help the body to decrease the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
If you have 5 minutes:
Eat a mint. When you get worked up, your brain goes into a default mode which is associated with depression and repetitive rumination. The default mode in the brain is wired to bring up undone tasks which can take you away from enjoying the moment. However, sucking on a peppermint activates your task-positive network, which turns off the default mode in the brain and allows you to relax.
Give yourself a loving butterfly hug. Place your right hand on your left shoulder, and cross your left hand over to touch your right shoulder. Then, repeatedly tap one hand after another for five minutes. It’s believed that this bilateral stimulation, stimulation on both sides of the body produces a physiological relaxation response sort of like when you rock a baby to sleep.
Clear the clutter. Chaotic environments create more stress. Taking a few minutes to clear up a cluttered desk, room or home can automatically make you feel better. The benefit of tidying up can elicit feelings of control and clarity. Research shows that completing tasks with your hands can have a soothing and therapeutic impact on your brain. When you engage your senses, like touch, it takes you out of your stressed out mind and has a meditative effect. Start with a small task so that your mind does not become overwhelmed and perpetuate the actual benefit of decreasing the stress.
If you have 10 minutes:
Think good thoughts. Good thoughts, such as that fabulous vacation you took to that tropical island, or that blissful vibe you felt when on your wedding day, or seeing your baby for the first time after you delivered it. When you’re stressed, imagine yourself in a safe place can be very helpful. Conjuring up happy moments can help you calm down from negative emotions. If you are having a hard time getting to that happy place, whip out the good handy cell phone and scroll through photos. This can help you to stop thinking about the thing that may be causing your stress and bring you back to a time you felt relaxed, grounded and happy.
Try a spot of tea. Calm the jitters with a spot of tea. When you’re feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, your central nervous system is to blame. Try making a brew of lemon-balm or passionflower tea. These two beauties are known to calm the central nervous system, naturally. What’s beautiful about this is the actual process of performing the ritual of making tea can also help to take you out of the stress zone.
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Wishing you peace, wellness, and tranquility.
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
