Don't Let The "S" Word Get The Best Of You
Stress is a very powerful and often overlooked element of our day-to-day living. We all experience it to some degree, yet it's very individual in the way it impacts us. What's considered stressful can vary significantly from one person to another. As a result, it's an individual awareness of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being that helps you gauge when your stress levels are too high for you.
The challenge is that many of us are crazy-busy, racing the clock in everything we do, and running on autopilot, so we don't always notice when the "too high" threshold has been crossed. This oftentimes comes with some form of physical discomfort (headaches, anxiety, stomachaches, etc.), which ideally should serve as an indicator to take a break, clear your mind, or do something different. But even with physical indicators, many of us keep pushing (either by choice or from the feeling of not having a choice). So we never release the stress, which can lead to other more serious challenges.
Now, I think I can speak for all of us by simply saying, "No one wants any of that!" Right? None of us really wants to take ourselves out like that. I mean aggressive and focused action toward what you want is important, but it's just as important to recognize the central role your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing play in your ability to do all those things you want to do and more. The key is to recognize your own stress limits and create routine opportunities to release your stress. This will enable you to truly engage all of you (body, mind and spirit) and accomplish way more than you'd ever accomplish otherwise. And you'll enjoy the journey so much more in the process.
So, how do you release?
If you haven't discovered ways of releasing stress that work well for you or that you can commit to, here's a list of some of the more common ways. The key to discovering what works best for you and your lifestyle is to simply try a few out and see what fits. Be willing to be creative and have fun as you explore.
Exercise
Yoga
Meditation
Chanting
Writing/Journaling
Talking (counseling or therapy)
Crying (it may seem pointless, but this can be a huge stress reliever)
Laughing (another one that may seem pointless, but is a HUGE stress reliever)
Drawing
Walking in nature
Sitting in nature
Sitting in silence
Listening to music
Dancing
Sleeping
Spiritual cleansing
Group Praise & Worship
Massage
Visualization
Don't stop exploring until you've found at least one you can commit to using on a regular basis.
Now, I'd love to hear from you! Are paying attention to when your stress levels get too high? How do you regularly release? Leave your comments below.
© Pursue Your Passion, LLC
WANT TO REPRINT THIS ARTICLE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Life Passion Coach, Pam Smith, guides and supports professionals and entrepreneurs in stepping out of their way and into the passions, goals, and life fulfillment they so deeply desire! Get her FREE CD, "What To Do When You're Stuck & Unfulfilled: Discover the Top 3 Ways to Finally Start Doing What You Love!" at www.pursueyourpassionnow.com.
