Why do I always feel stressed?
We all experience stressful circumstances in our lives: it's impossible not to. Every responsibility we take on, every thing we acquire, every person we include in our lives, the commitments we make to our health and everything else we chose to accomplish, care for or regularly engage in requires attention and therefore creates stress. And this is not a bad thing if it's managed properly. Stress can make us feel motivated, excited, interested and alive. However, to experience stress in this way, in a positive way, we must learn how to control it. It's like learning how to ride a bronco, thrilling but dangerous. If we let the stress run wild, it can cause a great deal of collateral damage.
What's real?
The fact is, stress is all about how the situation is perceived and it's not unusual for people to become frantic about "getting it done". Anxiety over "meeting commitments", "doing it right" or "getting it done all done today" is a common theme. And the truth is, once we see ourselves as subordinate to the thing we are striving to accomplish then we've relinquished the power to say when we've done enough, when we've met the goal or frankly, if we even enjoy doing it at all. We give up the right to say not today, never again or I'd rather not do it differently.
So it's not about the stress caused by the situation, it's about the response to the messages we tell ourselves in the face of responsibility. This is what causes the type of stress that damages our body, mind and emotional psyche. It's the stuff disease is made from. That low level, constant state of "it's never done and I'm never going to get it right" can turn the greatest opportunity and blessing into a cesspool of stinking thinking.
What can I do?
In order to mange our stress, we must first accept that we are in charge. Each one of us is the pilot of our own life and we are tasked with adjusting the controls. And like a plane, if you don't take proper hold of the equipment, you will crash. The first step is getting back to a level position. This can be done with a pause followed by a 30 second breathing technique known as the "Physiologic Sigh". This single act can transform the knee jerk reactions of the day into thoughtful responses. In this way we begin to tame our inner dragon.
Ride the Dragon
Life is an adventure and we are meant to enjoy it as such. Whether you like a high flying roller coaster or a slow and majestic ferris wheel, makes no difference, the skills set to thrive rather than simply survive are the same. Deliberate, poised action based on thoughtful intention allows us to maintain control, clear visibility and a comfortable and safe flight through the years of our lives. The people with whom we fly will appreciate the experience and be grateful that the turbulence of knee jerk stress response was kept at a minimum. You will appreciate the way you feel as you move through your days with an alert calm that can surely be described as an adventurous and peaceful life
What's the Secret?
Breath work is the key and the control panel that regulates and balances your nervous system, emotional state and mind. Please watch the links listed below and learn how to use these simple, quick tools to transform your "stressful life" into a life of managed stress.
Resources:
Follow this link for the 30 minute video on breath benefits and breath control techniques or, this link to a quick <3minute version video. Both videos feature leading expert Dr. Andrew Huberman PhD (research scientist and professor at Stanford University) who explains the science and physiology of how using breath can put you back in control
Posted with love.....Dr. Darlene Easton DACM, CNS, L.Ac