Friday, September 04, 2009

8 Ways To Lower Stress

In my coaching practice I am seeing more and more burnout.

Our bodies do give us messages, sometimes early warning signs. How can we read them? Here are some suggestions for you to consider: These are utterly terrific tips from fellow Huffington Post blogger, Anne Naylor. http://web.mac.com/annenaylor/iWeb/Anne%20Naylor/Welcome.html. It was so darn good, I had to share it with you.

1. Stop The Stress

Go to a quiet place where you are undisturbed. It could be a place in nature; a room in your home which is peaceful for you; a walk by a river, an art gallery, a church building. Find somewhere you can switch off the busy-ness of the day and simply be with yourself.

2. Breathe Into The Condition

To slow down further, take in a few deep breaths. Breathe the spirit of wellness into your dis-ease or whatever it is that is causing you discomfort. Expand out of and beyond the tightness and tension, the issues that are painful for you. Leave them behind with your out breaths. Allow yourself to feel the peace within you.

3. Be Quiet - And Listen

What is your condition telling you about your life and the way you are living? Are you taking care of yourself in the best ways, or do you need to be doing things differently? What are you yearning for that you are not allowing into your life? What might you be resisting? What could you let go of that has been troubling you?

4. Dialogue With Your Condition... ... in writing.

This simple technique can go deeper for you. Be willing to not know and not have the answers. Not knowing seems to open the door to the understanding and information you need. Strange how this seems to work, but in my experience it does. Be open to the knowledge that you have within you.

Get a pad of paper and a ballpoint pen. Write your name on the left hand side and open your dialogue. Call your condition by a name that has a positive note - for example: Courageous Friend. Write it down and let it speak to you.

Allow yourself to write spontaneously. Ask whatever you want. Be aware of the insights that can promote your healing.

5. Free Yourself ..

.. forgive the judgments - guilt, resentment, blame, shame, anger. Judgments cast a shadow over the spirit within you that can promote your healing.

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."
Philip Yancey

6. Allow Time...

... for your healing to take place. In this time, nurture yourself and do what it takes to nourish the spirit in you towards your greater health. Be open to the resources that can assist you. Learn to love yourself, unconditionally. Take time to simply rest.

7. Express Thanks...... for the lessons learned and the healing that occurs.

"All complete healing is activated through love and gratitude."
Dr John Demartini

8. Celebrate The New You!

Let others witness and learn from you and your process. Share more of your spirit that one other might find inspiration and encouragement on their journey. Have a party. The spirit in you is characterized by joy. Joy is contagious - a sign of good health.

"We are all in the same boat and if we start learning from each other and sharing what we have learned with others, perhaps we can get to where we are going faster."
Anonymous

Do you have an inspiring story to tell about a healing process you have experienced? What did you learn? How was your life amplified through a health crisis? You never know when your story might spark an ember of courage in someone who could really benefit by it.

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