"From Overwhelmed to Empowered" Part I - Stress

If you are alive in this world today, and you obviously are alive since you are reading this, you have experienced at least some degree of stress at times, and maybe have had overwhelming stress at other times.

And I'm just using the word, "stress."

What about worry? Do you get worried?

What about anxiety? Do you have anxiety?

Stress, worry, and anxiety can all interfere with our daily lives, our relationships, our work, and our joy. (But you already know that.) They are thieves of our time and overall good health.

Are you aware of the causes of your stress, worry, or anxiety?

Pause for a moment. Remember when you last felt stressed, worried, or anxious.

What was the cause?

Could you do anything to alter or change (in a good way) the cause?

If so, say to yourself, "Next time this happens, I am going to____________." (speak up, not go, rest, reassure myself, say "yes" or say "no", etc.)

Tune in to your body. Where are you holding tension?

Most people hold tension in their neck, shoulders, jaw, stomach/abdominal area, forehead, or around the eyes. But the reality is that your whole body can be tense and tight--"in knots" is what my mom used to say.

Exercise:

In order to release that tension, put both feet on the floor, and put your hands in your lap if you are sitting or by your side if you are standing. Now clench your fists very tightly. Hold clenched fists for a few seconds. Now very slowly begin to open your fists until they are resting on your lap or at your side. ---Breathe.---Breathe. (If needed, repeat a maximum of three times at one sitting.)

Now focus on the part of your body where you hold tension.

Feel the tension, the knots.

Now begin to feel the tension releasing, like a slowly melting ice cube. Letting the tension soften.--- Relax.--- Letting the tension soften. ---Relax.--- Breathe. (If needed, repeat a maximum of three times at one sitting.)

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Now this is one tool that you can use in almost any type of situation. Of course, there are many other tools. I like this one because you can do it on your own, with no additional equipment, it can be done right where you are, and most people won't even notice you are doing this exercise. If they notice, it's because they have tension and stress, too.

Over the next two weeks we will talk about ways to help ourselves reduce worry and anxiety.

Please Note: My belief is that you see a doctor or medical professional for symptoms, illnesses, diagnoses, and treatment. AND you do what you need to do to also help yourself get better.

To Your Courageous Self!

Edie Savage-Weeks

Transformational Life coach