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Last week on my blog and podcast, you learned how the process of deep breathing releases tension and stress.
Today I share several mini-relaxation exercises that will help you maximize your performance and minimize the time to complete stressful tasks. It is helpful to do these exercises when you have time free from interruptions from the phone or people.
Build on the suggestions or create your own.
In order to make the changes we want, we need to let go of bad habits that keep us from accomplishing those goals. Letting go is where we learn to relax, release tension, and reduce the stress in our life.
Letting go might seem terrifying at first.
We are action-oriented and want to be in control of everything. Relaxing can be construed by our conscious mind as laying down all our defenses and opening ourselves up to being vulnerable.
Today on my podcast and blog, I’ll introduce you to a simple relaxation technique that will help you let go of tension.
We can’t live without stress. It is the energy that enables us to get up in the morning, go to work, make vacation plans, solve problems, and live. It enables us to respond to whatever is happening in the moment.
We can handle most stressful things because they happen irregularly. It’s when stress becomes prolonged, without some way to reduce tension, that it takes its toll.
Today on my blog and podcast, we’ll discuss several causes of prolonged stress and its impact on our physical and emotional health. We’ll also look at ways to use our stress energy productively.
Holidays often create high levels of stress and tension. Last-minute shopping, forgotten items on our to-do list, planning get-togethers, last-minute invitations, etc.
When under pressure to get everything done, we constantly work without taking breaks. However, unless we take purposeful breaks, that constant tension will soon exhaust us.
Today on my blog and podcast, I’ll introduce you to five 5 quick-and-easy stress reduction techniques you can use any time — especially during the hectic holidays!
We can’t think of options and alternatives when we’re under high levels of stress – in fact, we can’t think at all.
Only when some of that stress has been reduced can we put on our thinking cap, challenge our fears, and look for ways to go beyond survival.
Ruminating over your problems may be the only way you know how to cope with stress at first. You may continue to argue your point of view… “You just don’t understand. I followed instructions. I took classes to learn. All I hear from everyone, is why don’t you do this or that, as if I haven’t already tried that and more.”
A student in my husband’s college class came to see him one day to tell him she would have to drop out of college. She was a great student, and he was afraid she would not return to school, limiting her chances in life.
He was always a trusted resource and support to his students, and he gently probed the reasons. He listened as she told her story, as shared in today’s post.
I also include information about how the fight/flight response affects us physically, and questions to ask yourself to help you identify what may be causing distress in your life.
At a women’s retreat, I asked, “Who has experienced stress in the past week?”
All hands went up. I then asked how they knew they were stressed. Their comments ranged from “constantly feeling overwhelmed” to “exhausted.”
They were unable to get everything done that was expected of them and there was little time left for pleasure or relaxation. They felt there was never enough time, there was too much to do, and they were constantly required to learn something new.
As I jotted their responses on the white board, I was reminded again of just how many demands are placed on us every day and the heavy toll it can have on our lives.
There are days I don’t want to get out of bed or go to work or face another day of caregiving.
I don’t feel like being kind to my neighbors or overlooking minor irritations.
I don’t want to know I can choose to forgive or be responsible for how I react to others. It is much easier to blame.
I’m tired of working through all my problems. I don’t want to make the tough choices required of me.
And yet, would I really want to give up the freedom I have to make those difficult choices of getting up, forgiving, and working through tough problems?
Life can change in the blink of an eye; one minute you are living life to the fullest and the next you are faced with some catastrophe. Whether it is the loss of a job or a loved one who has been diagnosed with a serious illness, you hear yourself cry out, “Please God, No.”
Whatever the situation, whether you have just received some earth-shattering news or you have simply reached a point where everything in life lacks purpose or meaning, it is a place where you recognize as never before your shortcomings and reach out to God for guidance and strength, and friends for support and encouragement.
Years ago, as part of a design team developing a ten-week program for individuals living with chronic illness and pain, I produced and recorded my first relaxation audio recording for Kaiser Permanente.
I produced a second one some years later with an Emmy-nominated friend who composed the background music for it.
As you listen and follow the instructions in my Relaxation audio, you will focus on the process of breathing. You will tighten different muscle groups, breathe deeply, and then release the tension as you breathe out.
When practiced each day for at least 30 days, you will become aware of where you hold your tension and will learn how to quickly release that tension.