You are in uncharted waters. You’ve lost your sense of well-being; every situation is no longer yours to control and manage.
The choice is yours. You can either be constantly overwhelmed , or you can engage in your new life with joy and enthusiasm.
Symptoms and Causes
Stress is unpleasant. The fight or flight reactions that have always served you well are still important warnings, but are unpleasant and frustrating if allowed free rein and you never respond.
Have a talk with your doctor. Are there physical reasons you need to consider, or is your state of mind making you sick.
If there is no apparent physical reason and your doctor sees no indication to suggest therapy, some simple calming techniques for easing stress are in order.
Even though the techniques are simple, the practice of relaxation is an art that must be mindful and conscious.
These five techniques could easily set you on a more healthful and happy life style.
Smile for 90 Seconds
Develop a daily newsletter. By the time you learn the joke of the day (and remember you haven’t learned the joke until you tell somebody), and pass it along, you have smiled more than 90 seconds.
Find some friends you have known a while and keep in touch by forwarding pleasant things you stumble upon on the internet. You’ll be surprised how, with just a little encouragement, your network will grow - and you will control the tone.
Take a Deep Breath
This two-step breath is part of many Eastern regimens.
Conscious breathing - Put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Fill the lower portion of your lungs first. Fill the top as you breathe through your nose. Exhale slowly and feel the tension flow out.
Mini Self-Massage
A foot massage, using a soothing, unctuous lotion. Sit with one foot resting on the opposite leg. Place one hand on top of the foot and the other on the toes, and stroke smoothly from your toes to your ankles. Support your foot with one hand and with the other massage with a circular motion moving along the sole. Squeeze and gently twist and stretch each toe. Stroke around the ankle, up toward the leg and back to your toes. Do each foot individually.
This place offers other simple and comforting relaxation techniques.
Relax that Jaw
To relax your jaw, tighten your jaw. Focus on the tension of your jaw and facial muscles. Now, let them become loose and limp, and feel the relaxation flow into the face.
Stop and Daydream
Daydreams must be focused. Don’t let the mind wander.
Fantasies, and sometimes ideas, that are read, written, oral, or on canvas are great tools to focus daydreams.
Also, there is a new game, Daydream. It’s an escape-the-room kid-friendly game. It’s easily played in half an hour and the impression from the blogs is that, overall, it’s a fun distraction, or point of relaxation.
A Final Thought
Don’t just think about relieving stress, do something about it. Start a routine to recharge your enthusiasms, accept change as a part of life, develop your own support network, and believe in yourself. You are your best advocate.
