In parts 1 and 2 of the Healthier Lifestyles series, we spotlighted the importance of "mixing it up" in our every day routines and learning to "do the do" and live out our dreams and passions.
Well, today's spotlight is on learning to relax and release or a.k.a. learning to cope with stress.
Relax. Release.
Yes, I know. Stress is the 6-letter word we all love to hate. But contrary to popular opinion, stress isn't a problem.
In fact, stress is a normal pyschological and physical reaction our body produces to cope with life's demands. So, when you realize that your non-stop flight has become a 4 hour layover, your body releases hormones that help you handle the situation and protect your brain from overload–this is stress. In laymen's terms, stress is NORMAL but it's also meant to be temporary.
Our bodies aren't meant to handle life-sucking stressful occurences on a continual basis. Just like any engine, if you run it at capacity beyond its design, it will seize up and fail to function. We are no different. Want to keep your body, mind and emotions from seizing up on you? Here's some ways that can help.
- Breathe ~ Obvious? Hardly. Breathing is automatic. But taking a moment to step back, take a few deep breaths and refocus isn't. This type of breathing is learned. When you find yourself at the height of a stressful event, take a moment to breathe and focus before giving it another go. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
- Be Worry Free ~ in the times of layoffs, down-sizing and other hardships, it's understandable that we worry about our futures. However, worry shouldn't be a regular part of our everyday lives. It's hard to enjoy the warmth of loved ones or the splendor of miracles when you're weighted down with fret and worry. Weights by definition are supposed to bring you down or prevent you from moving upward. Remember, you can't change the past but you can influence and define your future. So, don't worry; strategize, plan and then get busy. And enjoy life's roses along the way!
- Be Quiet ~ silence is one of the greatest gifts you can give your mind and your body. Stillness and silence allows us to refine our focus to help shine a spotlight on what's really important. It gives us the time and the freedom to search ourselves, meditate on good things and energize the psyche. You know that feeling you get when you awake from the best sleep ever? That's the feeling you get from practicing stillness or quiet time. You get the rest your mind needs and are left with energy, focus and well-being as a result. A total win-win!
So, remember breathe, be worry free and lastly be quiet and you'll be well on your way to living a little!
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