26 Jun 5 ways to release stress
We are like sponges, absorbing all of it from everything and everyone. Non realistic expectation from your boss, family duties, a long lasting relationship with someone which is not what you wish to be, for us ladies pre period also it can get mess around with your emotions.
Whatever it is, first of all, don’t take it out on the fist person “in the neighborhood”. We tend to bottle up emotions because society it’s on the run and we think we have to keep running instead of taking time and sit with whatever it’s happening inside of us.
More and more people are waking up and finding their own pace in their own terms. It’s all about setting priorities and being honest with ourselves. Honoring who we are is the greater gift you can give yourself. Being aware to open up and by so changing your internal setting also is one of the greater achievements you can grant to you. See, you are not the same person you were 10 years ago, or 20 years ago. Maybe you had a different vision, a different plan or simply wanted different things before. But now you are ready to just change the course of life again. It’s part of nature adapting to all circumstances. It’s also part of nature changing constantly.
Usually I’m a very active person but when I’m stressed out, I tend to be introvert and I’m on the exact other side of being sportive, I become lethargic, I lack enthusiasm, I’m very sleepy and passive. I’m emotional, on the edge of a break down and also everything seems difficult all of the sudden.
So here it is, first of all remind yourself it’s ok to feel whatever you are feeling. Don’t judge it. Feel it. And then take action toward it. For example, I need to do sport in order to clear my mind. I have an urge of going surfing and get into the sea, it’s a such a stress release for me. Or it could be a fast walk, running, swimming, hitting the gym, or whatever is your diversion. Just get out there, force yourself to get off your butt. You’ll be grateful once you have done it. By doing exercise, you will activate the hormones responsible for feeling good, which is serotonin. And that my friend is your Saint Graal!
The second way I have found to be constructive is to talk it through with a dear friend. But you have to be careful with not charging too much your friend. Good friends will be there for you when you are happy and when you are sad. Be mindful who you open up to. I have a few friends that I can count in one hand only which I trust blindly. Remember, they are not your therapist so do not expect them to solve your situation. But an outside point of view from someone dear to you, might just be what you needed. It can help you to see the bigger picture. Sometimes we are so headstrong and inflexible, we stumble on one little thing and seems not to be able to proceed. Like when you are making a puzzle, you have to keep going. You’ll find the missing piece and all it will come together.
My third approach is to sleep on it. After you have done any sport activity, talked to someone about it, I’d say it’s time to rest. Sleeping 8h straight is a huge favor you can do to yourself. It will help you to be in a better mood the day after, to see things from a fresher angle, you will feel lighter and stronger. But since I can read your mind, I know what you are going to ask me. “What about if I can’t sleep because my mind is like a broken record and it doesn’t seem to stop thinking?” Well, in this case, I suggest a nice valeriana infusion, or melatonin or Bach flower remedy. In my exasperating times, I had all of them and I can assure you, at some point you will sleep. Bear in mind to leave your mobile in a different room where you are sleeping and if you can in airplane mode.
The forth form I have found to be very helpful is to meditate right after waking up, when you are still in that state of mind of peace and tranquility. You shouldn’t even see your phone, keep in in airplane mode, you will have time later to check it. You do not need distractions. Normally I don’t even have breakfast yet. I simply wash my face, prepare a tea, leave there on the counter to get cooler. I sit on my mat with crossed legs and start focusing my attention on following my inhalation and exhalation, I sink deeper into me. Let yourself cry, laugh, smile or anything that has to come to surface. Be present and accept all parts of you, all wounded parts of you. Be thankful for all that you are and all that is. Ask resolution to your higher self. Feel love, be love, spread love and let go of what no longer serves you. Close the meditation when you are ready. Open your eyes and start the day with a renewed sense of life. You might feel goose bumps in your body. You can journal about it afterwards if you feel the need. But mainly, keep in mind for the rest of the day, if you are triggered, the calmness, the peace or the love you have felt. And be patient my friend!
The last but not least fifth suggestion I have for you is to cut yourself a slack. You are doing the work, you are dealing with it, so go out and enjoy a nice meal with good friends. Laugh, be goofy, connect with others, savor life. It’s such a precious gift to be alive and in health. Protect your energy field by choosing wisely who you share your time with. Make changes where you need and avoid weird situation.
I really love the serenity prayer, from Reinhold Niebuhr so here it is:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
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