Holistic Stress Management

HOLISTIC STRESS MANAGEMENT

There are times in our lives when nothing works. When you feel that no matter what you do, things will never get better. That your life can not possibly change. When you have these feelings there are some things you can do to overcome them. Here is a list of tips to help you “work through the bad times”.

1. Use self talk/affirmations. For example: “It will pass”, “I can get through this a little at a time”, “I know this will only last for a little while”, etc. Using positive affirmations even when you don't particularly feel like saying them will go a long way in training yourself into a more positive attitude.
2. Be Easy on Yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to sit with the feelings you are having and allow yourself to feel those feelings fully. Realize for yourself that it's normal to have these feelings and they will pass if you let them and release your resistance to them being there.
3. Comfort Yourself. For example: Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket. Grab your favorite food (not too much!!) Watch your favorite movie. Take a bath, get a massage. Pamper yourself. Self care is a great way to help bring balance back into your life.
4. Give Yourself A Time Limit on How Long You Are Going to Let Yourself Feel This Way. It’s ok to wallow a little as long as you give yourself a specific amount of time to do it. When that time is up, self talk yourself into changing your behavior and putting a definite end to your alone time. This could be done in a ritualistic fashion where you could devise a way to let go of the situation and move on.
5. Remove Yourself From the Situation. Take a walk. Take a shower. Get out of your house/workplace and refocus your attention. Staying in the energy of the stress will only add to your feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, and whatever negative feelings you are experiencing at the time.
6. If, after you have done all these things, you still can’t function; GET HELP! Find a friend to talk to or seek out a professional. When you really truly feel you can not do it alone, then don’t. Sometimes someone else can put a new spin on your problem and help you get past it by seeing thing differently.
7. Finally. Learn relaxation techniques including meditation, exercise (yoga), and desensitization to the stress. Meditation is a great practice to begin at any time in your life. It is the number one tool to get you centered and balanced when you are feeling stress. When you begin meditation realize for yourself that it is a practice and it works best if you stay with it for a consistant amount of time. This tool along with yoga will rework your body, mind, and spirit back into alignment.

Most of all remember that even as dark as things appear to be, you ALWAYS have choices! You can choose to ignore the choices or use this time to make significantly new choices and changes in your life. See the time you have as a chance to learn and grow as a human being. And use your experience to help you in the future. This helps to empower you and energize you as being the one in control of your life. Not your life being in control of you.