A lot of the time stress comes about from the way you perceive a situation, but it goes further than that of course.
Our perceptions are colored by our upbringing. All those comments and interactions and the inherited ways of perceiving of our parents, siblings, teachers, friends the media and so on and so on gradually accumulate to make up our own special way of seeing the world.
Added to all of this are our beliefs, also learned and influenced by our culture and the people we admire, whether living teachers or in books or films and documentaries
Indeed there are levels and levels of influence, like, for example, our instinctual or survival responses which are wired into the body and work unconsciously to ‘keep us alive and safe’.
And then there is the internal ‘pull’ to find peace and happiness which often creates frustration and stress by contrast when we are not achieving what we believe will give us that peace. Or when we reach a goal that we thought would give us peace and satisfaction only to find it didn’t and off we go again, looking for something else, chasing another goal or dream.
Or maybe we followed the advice of well meaning others only to find that their promises didn’t come to fruition. Maybe we got a good education, expecting a well-paid, high status job, only to find the economy in recession and that work is only available, if at all, as short term contracts rather than a cushy permanent career with the promise of a secure pension at the end of it. We can feel highly stressed whenever we feel out of control and this often happens when the unexpected happens or when our own expectations are disappointed.
So what can be done about all of this?
One answer might be to start by accepting things as they are, since it is resistance to our situation that increases stress. We can accept things as they are and still plan for the future – just be less attached to the outcome and enjoy the moment for what it is. Too many of us are rushing about making ourselves very busy and often lose the pleasure of the ‘now’.
Take a ‘stress check’ and one or two deep breaths in, stop for a moment and look around you and find something to appreciate – the sun coming in through the window, the fact that someone smiled at you today, that you have two legs and ears to hear with, eyes to see. The list of things to be grateful for and to appreciate is endless but sometimes we forget all of this and focus instead on lack.
Find ways to slow down, find moments throughout the day when you can have a ‘slow down minute’ or give yourself 20 minutes at bedtime to meditate or another great way to wind down is to listen to some chillout music before you go to sleep . When you are faced with potentially stressful situations remind yourself that you have a choice about how you perceive it. How could you perceive it differently? Maybe the person shouting at you has just been told they have a serious illness, or maybe they come from a family of angry people and don’t know any other way to behave, so maybe you don’t need to take it personally. I have found EFT to be a great tool in dealing with stress as it arises and it can help dissolve disempowered feelings almost instantly and get you back on track with empowered choices once again.
Another technique I have found that works very well is to laugh! That may sound funny (doh!) but it works, even if you fake it at first (because you’re ‘not in the mood’) Try it as an experiment. you may be pleasantly surprised. And laughter has all sorts of benefits for health , instantly relaxing you and giving you a brighter perspective, and even giving your immune system a boost in the process.
Stress is very prevalent in the world today but that doesn’t mean you simply have to ‘frown and bear it’. You have the ability to choose how you respond and there are many techniques, processes, programs and supportive people out there that you can take advantage of to change your own internal and external world for the better.
Have a nice day!
Joy Idries
Cope With Recession With Natural Stress Relief
Ulcers, and high blood pressure, and even mental health illnesses are just some of the life-threatening conditions that can result from exposure to stress.
Massage Chair Recliners Remove Stress
The pressures of life seem to be constant, yet the relief of such pressures is so erratic. There are simple and effective means to reduce stress and anxiety. For example, getting a foot reflexology massage can effectively help you relax
Relief For Stress – Change Your Eating Habits and Live Today
Another way to find relief for stress is by playing with your kids or pet. Some people find so much comfort with a pet, they sometime consider them as one of the family members. Sometimes a dog is truly a man’s best friend.
