I was so fortunate to ask my colleague, health and wellness coach Missy Rankin, to write this guest blog post on simple ways to stop stress. Missy has some great insight into how to manage your stress and why this is important. Scroll down for her free gift to you as well!
Does this sound like you?
- Stressed most of the day from all that needs to be done?
- Have a short temper or easily agitated?
- Anxiety that switches on and is hard to “turn off”?
If that sounds like you, keep reading..
We’re finding out more and more about the harmful effects of chronic and/or unresolved stress on our bodies.
John Carpi, in his PsychologyToday.com article Stress- It’s Worse Than You Think, states “By responding to the stress of everyday life with the same surge of biochemicals released during major threats, the body is slowly killing itself. The biochemical onslaught chips away at the immune system, opening the way to cancer, infection, and disease.”
What exactly is stress?
Stress, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.”
How then do we stress-less and stop its damaging effects?
Try these simple tips the next time something stressful happens.
1) Deep Breathing– One of the best ways of diffusing a negative emotional response to stress is to just breathe.
Taking long deep controlled breaths resets the brain and triggers the relaxation response which lowers our heart rate and blood pressure.
Inhale deeply for a count of 5. Hold for a count of 3. Exhale for a count of 5. Repeat 3 times.
2) Positive Thinking– Try to put a positive spin on the situation. If someone cuts you off in traffic, maybe they just saved you from a wreck up ahead.
According to Dr. Mercola, positive thinking boosts our immune system and even switches on our good genes.
Do you feel stressed and anxious? Click Here to Download Dr. Teralyn’s FREE cheat sheet today!
3) Don’t Feed the Hobos– Hobos are negative thoughts that can keep us in a continual state of stress and dis-ease. (For more information, grab the “Stress Less SOS Action” ebook mentioned below). In the meantime, S.T.O.P. negative thoughts as soon as you realize you’re entertaining them in your mind.
4) Make Adjustments– Allow plenty of time to do the project, get the kids to school on time, to get to work on time, etc. Build margin into your life. Prepare lunches, decide what to wear, locate shoes, keys, backpacks/purses, etc. the night before.
5) Don’t Rehearse the Drama– Replaying over and over and over whatever negative thing, word, or action was done to you won’t fix the situation.
In fact, it will leave your brain and other organs ‘stewing’ in a harmful bath of chemicals generated by those negative thoughts and words.
This process sets you up for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and dis-ease. Acknowledge the wrong. Feel the emotions. Forgive. Let Go. Move On.
Try using some of these tips the next time something stressful happens.
By Missy Rankin, Certified Life & Health Coach
It’s possible to learn how to stress less and stop its damaging effects on the body. You just need tools and techniques to use.
The Stress Less SOS Action Guide (mentioned above) contains 7 Easy Ways to Take Action for Stressful Situations by Utilizing the Power of Positive Thoughts, Words, and Actions.
Click here to grab your free copy.