Is it April already? It is almost as if time has accelerated and along with that we may notice more stress building up in our lives. If you are finding yourself often running out of time but yet still have plenty of things to accomplish for the day, this might cause some stress. And if there is still plenty of month but not enough paycheck to cover the remaining days, that can also be a source of discomfort.
April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. While we should be addressing healthy ways to reduce stress every day, this month is as good a month as any to get started on a new routine.
Managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to reduce stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues. Perhaps there are many variables that we do not have total control over in our lives, but how we react to stressful situations in life, can definitely bring a sense of hope and resilience.
Some things to reduce stress and anxiety in our daily routine can be…
1. Gratitude
Find the smallest thing to be grateful for as you wake up in the morning. Hey, my car started today! My coffee is hot. The sun is out! Small ideas bring big results.
2. Relaxation
Even 5 minutes here and ten minutes there can bring some calm to the body and mind. If all else fails, use the bathroom excuse and spend five minutes in the quiet, breathing.
3. Self Care
You deserve a daily routine of self care. It’s not selfish or self-indulgent. When you feel better and your cup is filled you will be in a better mood and able to help others.”No” is a valid answer and sometimes you might consider declining certain requests. You can start with small changes in your routine to help build resilience to stressful circumstances. What would Self-Care look like for you? Take a minute to consider what would nourish you throughout the day.
4. Heart Focused Breathing
Speaking of breathing, spend a few minutes focusing on full inhales and long exhales. Taking your time with each breath, and even imagining yourself breathing into and out of your heart. Bringing your focus to your heart and your breath can build some resilience as the day goes on.
5. Exercise
From yoga and walking to hard core gym practices and marathons; pick your favorite. Just do it.
6. Acknowledge feelings
Yes, we all have them, even those of us who like to ignore them. It is what makes us human and feelings are a normal way to acknowledge and go through life. Notice them, accept them, breathe through them.
7. Notice your thoughts
I read somewhere that we have over 75,000 thoughts a day! Yikes! What are we thinking of all day long? But seriously, what ARE WE FOCUSING on? Do you know the saying “energy flows where attention goes?”. It is true that we can bring amazing things into our lives by focusing on something we want. We are also very very good at focusing on things we do not want. Worries, fears, limitations, often absorb a lot of our energy. What if you attempted to notice your thoughts and re-directed to a more positive thought every time you felt off track? Instead of saying “My life has always been riddled with stress” what if you could switch that to “I am ready to begin living in joy.”? Do you feel the difference?
8. Seek help
Day to day stress and bouts of anxiety are normal. When disarray, tension and anxiety become chronic however, they will negatively affect our nervous system and make life very hard. Relationships, health challenges, work issues and money stressors can take us down real fast if we do not tend to them. Friends and family can be helpful and sometimes it is wise to seek help from professionals that can help bring about a breath of fresh air.. Energy Medicine, HeartMath approaches and ETC- lucid hypnosis, are all very effective ways of getting support, finding relief, and regaining control of your life and your joy.
I am here to help you deflate the pressure and understand how stress affects your health and well being. While some people are resilient to stress others have difficulties even making it through the day. Together we explore techniques and resilience-boosting ways that are transformative and have a positive effect on health and well-being. Energy Medicine, ETC-Lucid Hypnosis, Wellness & HeartMath coaching, will help you find relief, create coherence and build resilience for life.
For more tips on Women’s Health & Well being, ways to manage common sources of stress, as well as opportunities to join the 12 Steps to Freedom online group program to learn tools for life.
Nourishing Blessings,
