So, if you read my first post, you have some idea what a chaotic mess my old life used to be. I felt completely overwhelmed and like I would never be able to catch up. Now, however, I get far more done, without the stress and mayhem. I knew one of the ways to do that was to cut some things out of my life and schedule… but I wanted all those things in my life! That’s why I agreed to them! What I DIDN’T want, was the anxiety and bedlam. Stress and anxiety create far more difficulties than they solve, as I’m sure you know, putting the body into high alert and shutting down creativity and problem solving skills. So, the first step is to get a handle on them IN THE MOMENT. Once you are calm enough to think, you will be amazed how much more in charge of your life you feel, and that naturally dominoes into being able to handle things better! At least, thats how it worked for me! So, I needed to expand myself to be able to handle it all, and here are 5 ways you can begin to do the same!
1. Drink a glass of water
This simple solution is a lifesaver! Did you know your brain can become dehydrated with as little as 15 minutes of sustained concentration? Dehydration in the body causes all kinds of debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Basically, your body can’t function without water, so give yourself a break and have a glass!
2. Breathe up through the ground.
I know it sounds a little odd, but work with me for a minute. Take a few long slow breaths, imagining taking the air in up through the ground, in through your feet, legs, hips, belly and into your lungs. This simple visualization helps you feel more grounded and relaxed immediately. Give it a try!
3. Think of something you appreciate.
Its a fact, folks. Practicing gratitude instantly helps to cal anxiety and relax the nervous system. Its guaranteed to make your heart open up a little more, and help you feel tons better! Its a way to keep receiving the gifts you’ve been given, because when you appreciate them over and over, its just like getting them over and over!
4. Tell a joke/smile.
Just the act of moving your face into a smiling expression helps move your mood in that direction. Consciously feel the muscles of your face as you move them to smile, and feel your brow and shoulders relax right along with it! If thats a little far to reach for you right now, try to recall a joke that always makes you laugh, or even google one! I’m a sucker for corny jokes, and I know first hand the healing power of laughter. So get your giggle on and chuckle that bad vibe right out of your day!
5. Stretch
Moving your body is one of the best ways to get more grounded and feel more in control of things. So stand up, and reach for the sky! Wiggle your fingers and toes and grow as tall as you can! If your balance feels solid, stretch backward a little, looking up up up, then back to center and then side-to-side. We spend way too much time sitting still in one place, or eyes-forward, focused only on what’s directly in front of us. To break free of your loop, try moving in a different way, and see how it feels!
These solutions may seem simple, but thats the beauty of it! The best place to start, is at the beginning, and these easy ideas can help you even in the craziest and most hectic moments of your day. Try them! You won’t regret it!
