How are you? It certainly feels like we’re being tested on so many levels in these changeable times.
I’m sure you know that among other things, stress is a feeling of not being in control which can trigger all kinds of emotional, psychological and behavioural problems.
But how to deal with it? One of the main keys to dealing with stress is to develop flexibility so that we improve our bounce-ability factor and become resilient.
Dare I say the most flexible tree is the bamboo because of it’s ability to bend easily in the wind and then stand tall again.
How can we become more flexibile? Well I could say take up yoga, develop new hobbies, improve your way of thinking by listening to hypnotherapy programmes. But better still, find your own ways.
Write down 10 things you could do to become more flexible mentally and physically.
Along with sending you my good wishes for the holiday period I want to offer a couple of approaches to help manage stress, anxiety and any other difficult feelings.
Please do the exercise, as it’s experiential, it will only that will take about 7 minutes of your life and it may prove valuable. Try it now.
1. Sit somewhere away from distractions and close your eyes.
2. Repeat the following words to yourself silently and mentally.
“Be” “Just Be” repeat this periodically until you find your breathing slowing and a sense of quietness beginning to emerge.
You might find the next bit challenging and counter intuitive on one level but just go with it.
3. Invite the negative thought/feeling/emotion into the quieter space by simply saying “I welcome… (anxiety, frustration, sadness, headache, stomach churning or whatever.)
4. Imagine them as an unexpected, slightly unwanted guest who’s arrived at your door but your good manners dictate that you’re going to invite them in anyway!
5. When you’ve repeated ” I welcome” let’s say anxiety in, notice where it lives. Do you feel it in your chest? Or stomach for example.
Don’t get lost in the thought or feeling and don’t get too involved, stay mildly detached, you’re merely observing it.
6. After a few minutes of this, welcome in the opposite feeling/emotion/thought. So you might then say silently “I welcome peace and calmness” again repeating it several times.
Notice what peace and calmness feel like and where these feelings sit in your body.
Another odd thing to suggest but do it anyway…
7. Begin to move back and forth between the words “I welcome anxiety and tension” then “I welcome peace, calmness and tranquility”
8. Finally after doing that for a couple of minutes, imagine you can step back away from the opposites and repeat silently “Be” “Just Be”
Let me know how that works for you.
The second gift I would like to offer is a free mind/body training that will lead to a more relaxed in control you.Download it and practise it until you’re able to do it anywhere anytime on your own. It’s my gift to you along with my fervent wishes that you be well and happy.
It’s a tried and tested method that with repetition will give you a greater sense of control in your world.
https://www.thestresshacker.com/product/relax-autogenic-relaxation-response-program/
Oh and if you fancy listening to an interview I gave earlier in the year about finding your purpose check it out here:
