Simple Ways To Relieve Stress

Stress is undoubtedly a part of life and more often than not, everyone has had more than their fair share. The ability to deal with it is something we start learning at a young age. Some of us have a high tolerance for stress and appear to manage it well. Whereas, some of us get completely overwhelmed and aren’t sure what to do next. We will err on the side of the latter and discuss some of the simple ways to relieve stress, relax and rejuvenate.

Stress Or Anxiety

Although they often go hand in hand, it is important to identify the slight difference. Stress is defined as a mental state or emotional strain resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances, and usually caused by an outside trigger. Whereas anxiety is a feeling of worry, or nervousness, usually about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It typically doesn’t go away, even when the initial stressor does. Both are emotional responses that rarely have positive effects on our health and well being.

Speak Easy

I truly believe in “Mind over Matter”. Albeit more so in certain instances. I have found when I feel my chest getting tight and my breaths start to increase, it is my inner voice that I can always count on. I pause, take a step back, close my eyes and say, “Peace begins with me, I feel myself relaxing”. And within minutes my breathing has slowed, I’ve taken a “mini-break” from my thoughts and can now come back with a clear mind. You may feel silly at first, I sure did. But trust me, the change you feel is worth it!

You Are What You Think You Are

This is often referred to as “self fulfilling prophecy”, which is a prediction that proves itself to be true due to the behavior of the believer. The goal is to speak positively, in the present tense, as though what you’re saying is already true. Start with things you are thankful for and goals you have set for yourself such as “I am healthy”, “I am loved”, “I am my own person and I will overcome” and write them on post it notes placed strategically around you home, your office or your car. Surround yourself with positive affirmations reminding you of all the good in your life.

Embrace The Wait

Instead of getting more stressed out waiting for whatever “it” is to pass, use this time for reflection. Truly look at yourself and the situation and dissect it. Allow yourself to identify your thoughts, experience them and let them go. I know that sounds easier than it actually is, but hear me out. Our thoughts often dictate how we feel, and the only thing that we have absolute control over is how we respond to the situations that come our way. Therefore, if we can learn to manage our thoughts, we can ultimately learn to manage our feelings.

Grow Through What You Go Through

Seeing our journey as opportunities to learn and grow, can help us overcome the challenging and confusing obstacles that come our way. I urge you to look at whatever is causing your stress, and think about different ways this could be a good problem to have. Will you come out stronger in the long run? Will you learn an invaluable lesson when this storm passes? We are all here to learn, and we must let go of the pressure we put on ourselves to have it all figured out.

Clean House

Figuratively, not literally. Although cleaning does help me let off steam, in this case I’m referring more to old emotional baggage that has been weighing you down for way too long. Purge those old feelings of guilt, unresolved issues and people that are truly not good for you. Out with the old and allow yourself to have room for new beginnings, new experiences and a fresh outlook on the “lessons” that are coming your way.

Take Away

I truly hope you will try these simple ways to relieve stress and find them beneficial to your life. Remember we are human, we are allowed to feel the feeling the key is to not become the emotion.

We’re all in this together, T

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