I don't worry much. When an issue arises that cause me
distress, my mind instantly begins searching for possible solutions. I wasn't
always like this - it took years of awareness and effort but it has certainly
paid off. Take this past week, for example. I use a service to heavily promote
both my radio show and my books. I've been affectionately referred to as a
"marketing machine" by some who know me on social media. When one of
my social media sites changed their format, what used to take me twenty minutes
to accomplish took two and a half hours. I immediately began concocting an
alternative way of reaching my contacts each week with information regarding my
upcoming radio show. Now, another social media site has implemented a major
change that will severely cripple my marketing efforts. Already, my mind is
seeking ways of maneuvering around this latest road block. In order to keep my
stress levels at a minimum, I've had to make a concerted effort to apply my own
advice. Here are some tips to dramatically reduce and/or eliminate stress in
your life:
1. Take slow deep deliberate breaths. When we become
anxious, we tend to deprive our brains of vital oxygen rich blood by shallow
breathing. Oxygen has a very calming effect on the brain. Breathe in slowing
and deeply, holding for a moment before slowly exhaling.
2. Sip water. The human body is comprised of 50-75% water.
Being dehydrated increases the production of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Organs, of which the brain is one, work at optimum capacity when properly
hydrated. Sipping water throughout the day, and especially at the onset of
stress, will help keep us calm.
3. Meditation: an ancient Eastern practice, something as
simple as sitting quietly, eyes closed, breathing rhythmically to the beating
of the heart, and clearing one's mind produces a sense of euphoria and
well-being.
4. Human touch reduces the production of cortisol, releases
the feel-good hormones, endorphins, reduces physical and emotional pain,
conveys concern, comfort, affection, love, and oneness. From a simple handshake
to a huge bear hug, human touch is vital to our survival.
5. Prayer - our conversations with God. Much like a child
who holds mom's hand in the dark, being connected to a Higher Being alleviates fear,
anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity. Realizing we are not alone but rather are
being guided by an Omnipotent Source of unconditional love is incredibly
comforting and offers a sense of belonging as well.
6. Biofilia is a fancy word for a "love of living
things". By reconnecting with nature, being outdoors in the fresh air and
sunlight, we experience the wonder of God's creations. Whether plant or animal
life, inert or ever-changing, we are an integral part of our surrounds and
through conscious integration we experience a sense of wholeness.
7. Aerobic exercise, the practice of rhythmic physical
exertion, releases those feel-good endorphins and increases the flow of oxygen
rich blood to the brain, elevating one's energy levels and alleviating
negativity.
8. An Attitude of
Gratitude and Sense of Appreciation: in both cases, one focuses on the positive
rather than negative. Finding the blessings present to us every day and truly
appreciating not only what we have but also what has been lost or taken away
allows us to maintain a positive mindset and distracts the mind from being
consumed by the negative.
9. Love: not love of a human variety but love of a spiritual
nature alleviates stress. That is to say, when we choose to love fully and
unconditionally, without stipulation or restriction, then we never experience
disappointment or anger. We reside in a
permanent state of acceptance, peace, and joy.
10. Forgiving: letting go of the anger, bitterness, and
resentment associated with a past experience or individual frees us to fully
live in the present moment and extract the most from each experience. Refraining from labeling and judging one
another enables us to develop a more compassionate and gentle approach to those
whom we encounter.
11. Less is more: own less, do less, be more. A common
misconception is that we own our stuff. Actually we are owned by our possessions. It takes time,
money, and effort to purchase items and the same to care for, repair, or
replace them. They drain us of precious time and resources which could be much
better applied to becoming more evolved beings.
12. Deflate the Balloon (SSSSS): See things differently
(change your perception); Slow down (what's the rush?), Simplify (scale back on
everything), Socialize (make time for good friends), be Silly (have some fun!)
Like all emotions, stress in self-imposed. It has little to
do with who we are with, what's occurring, or where we are. Rather it is
determined by our internal dialogue, that little voice in our heads, that instills
worry and discomfort, then repeats it ad nauseam until we find ourselves in a
frenzy of anxiety. Take a moment, quiet your mind, re examine the situation,
and put your faith in God that all is exactly as it is meant to be. And if all
else fails, remember that stressed
spelled backwards is desserts. That's no coincidence. Bon appetite! lol!
Order The Secret
Side of Anger, Second Edition or The Great Truth @
http://www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com/pps1-products.html
Listen to past shows on iHeart Radio @ http://www.iheart.com/talk/show/53-Anger-911-Radio/
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