Stress? Want Relief? Here's Waht To Do


We all get stressed and feel overwhelmed from time to time. When we’re in that place it can be hard to find the road that leads to a better feeling place so I have a suggestion. Just stop.

That’s right, stop. Stop what you are doing, stop what you are thinking, stop all activity and just be. No it’s not really that hard. Most people respond with, I have too much to do I can’t stop, my kids need me, I can’t stop, I’m in traffic, I can’t stop. Well in some form or another, yes you can stop.

You can take a moment and diffuse things by first realizing that things need to be diffused then realizing that it is only your thoughts that give you peace or stress, then you regain your power. When you realize it is your thoughts that create your experice, you can then proceed to change your thoughts. It’s like being on a rollercoaster and thinking you can’t get off. The most powerful tool you have is your mind and you can direct it the way you wish. It’s you mind that makes you think things are out of control. It’s you mind that goes over all the alternatives of what “could” happen. It’s your mind that runs off and starts listing all the “what ifs”. It’s your mind that makes things worse long before they are. So what’s the answer? That’s right. Just take a moment and stop.

Down tools and tell yourself things will not explode in the next 5 minutes and take yourself somewhere other than where you are. Preferably a quite place and sit still. Tell yourself that you can control your thoughts and then take 5 deep breaths noticing how your chest expands and releases as your breath in and out. Breathe in for 3 slow counts and out for 3 slow counts. When we are anxious our breathing speeds up and becomes shallow. Slowing your breathing relaxes the body and the mind.

I sometimes extend this and imagine a flickering flame in my minds eye. I focus only on the image of the flame and that is enough to distract my mind from the frantic dance it does that creates stress and confusion. Remind yourself that you are the one who has the control over your thoughts, no one else, so therefore you are the one who can relieve your stress. If you are in the car or on a plane or in a place that is impossible to remove yourself from, just go inside yourself. Take your focus to your breath and tell yourself that in this moment you are choosing to stop. You are choosing to release the confusion and negativity. You are choosing to change the vibration of your thoughts to ones of peace, clarity. Don’t look for answers, don’t expect anything. Just give yourself time to stop where you are in your life and let your inner wisdom bubble up to meet you.

It is within the stillness that answers come not in the chasing of answers. With practice you will be able to release the negative patterns more quickly and life will be less stressful.

Enjoy the peace

Gaynor Parke
Advanced Success Life Coaching


2008© Gaynor Parke Advanced Success Life Coaching
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