Over the years the city keeps evolving to offer us all that we could imagine. This can be both exciting and stressful simultaneously. While some stress can invigorate and motivate us it often has an adverse effect, making us feel overwhelmed, anxious and worn out.
Learning how to deal with physical and emotional stress can lead to a more productive, happy and balanced life.
I am going to share five insights that help me manage my stress, while living a more harmonious life. These insights can help you deal with these situations more effectively and gracefully.
1. Identify the stimulus – What is causing the stress? What is over stimulating you? Is there an external demand or expectation that is causing you tension, or is it internal: e.g. your inner perfectionist or maybe a need to prove yourself.
Make a list of the causes that trigger your stress. Ask yourself: can I do anything about it right now?
2. Slow down – when we experience stress or are feeling anxious, there is a sense of urgency to solve or get rid of the problem, so you don’t have to experience the stress. (Note: this is probably not the best time to make big decisions.) Slowing down allows your body to calm so you can make more informed decisions.
3. Saying NO – Many people have a hard time saying NO or to set clear, firm boundaries. Learning to say no can reduce both pressure and anxiety.
4. Breathing techniques – when faced with challenging situations we hold our breath, a primal reaction to a threat. A continuous state of threat becomes a habit, keeping you in a perpetual state of fight and flight.
This is where conscious breathing techniques can help you to energize your body when feeling fatigued, or calm your nervous system from feeling over stimulated. Conscious breathing sends your nervous system a message that the danger/stimulus is no longer a threat.
5. Listen to your body – When you feel stress and tension, observation can be a great ally. Learn to recognize your unique signals. Do your shoulders tighten? Do you experience headaches? Is your chest compressed?
Whether you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, standing or running, the body builds muscular tension and habits.
We can reduce the symptoms by using specific exercises and by changing our routines.
Learning how to manage stress is a key factor in our success and wellbeing.
So what can you do about it? Pick one or more of these suggestions, and commit to 30 daily trial. Keep a journal, this will help you to identify the habitual patterns.
Still have questions, sign up for Reducing Stress and Anxiety – workshop: