This week has been stressful. If you’re like me, you’ve been finding challenges every turn the past few days, making it a fundamental theme of the week.
Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of every day of life. However, our brain is built to cope with stressful situations. According to the Mayo Clinic, when our brain perceives threats, surges of a hormone called cortisol are released and rush through our body. This release is known as the “fight or flight” response and happens not only in highly stressful situations but everyday stressors as well. In the increasing levels of stress that have been identified in the modern-day world, our “alarm system” rarely shuts off. This constant influx of cortisol can lead us to feel emotional symptoms and physical ones like weight gain, fatigue, changes in our skin, and high blood pressure.
Stress can consume you to the point where they shut off from their everyday activities, responsibilities, family, friends, and loved ones. We all deal with a certain amount of stress every day but can usually cope and move on with what needs to be done. High levels of stress can harm your health, relationships, or quality of life. So, what do we do when our stress levels skyrocket, and we can’t seem to get it under control? Since stress is something we ALL deal with, I developed the Holistic Lifestyle Method to focus on stress and building the techniques and knowledge to manage better, so you be more productive, conscious, and enjoy life more. I’ve pulled together a few holistic tips to help you destress and start living better. Please note, the below is a purely holistic approach; if you’re currently on any prescriptions, consult with your doctor on incorporating holistic techniques along with your medication regime.
Stop most things you are doing to cope! You may wonder why I’m suggesting stopping what you’re doing right now, and it’s because It’s NOT WORKING. If it were working, you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Your practice (or your Therapist) likely needs to be adjusted. If you’re running around in circles and feel like you’re talking about the same things over and over, have hit a plateau, are exhausted, etc., it’s time to change at least one item
Start saying NO more to what you don’t want; if you have been saying yes to accommodate others, time to start saying no. This is especially important if you’re drained and have no energy. Do you need to delegate? Do you need to ask for help? Start also saying yes to what you do want. Both of these take practice! Be kind to yourself.
Dance with your demons. Now, I don’t mean the exorcist like demons; I mean, learn to be loving to all parts of yourself: anger, grief, joy, bliss, etc. When you do this, all things will flow better. You’ll also gain more capacity to be with other’s emotions. You’ll feel less drained because your feelings will have a voice and you’ll be seeing and hearing yourself.
4. Take time to go inward to check in with your body. There’s a lot of power in the pause. Sit with yourself and identify where the discomfort is coming from. Take a close look at it, ask yourself, is this something I can control? Or Is it something I just need to accept?
I have over two decades of experience in working with clients to better manage their stress. Teaching them valuable techniques specific to their situations to improve relaxation, sleep and lower their anxiety through proven techniques. Interested in learning more? Book a Free Consultation with me today to discuss a program that will help you live a better and low-stress life.