There are times when we feel completely overwhelmed and stressed. Times when stress seems to consume us. Times we can’t seem to get out from under it. Times when our stomach clenches and our focus changes and we can’t think as well. What can we do about it?
The most important thing to remember is this: It is a journey and not a destination. Learning how to navigate that journey can make our mind, and ultimately, our body healthier.
Here are 5 SIMPLE steps to start down the path of developing a healthier mind.
Step 1) Who or what is in control?The first step is to ask, who or what is in control? Is the stress managing us or are we managing the stress? Stressors will always be there. Stress is a part of our everyday life. We can’t get rid of it. But we can learn to manage it. When stress controls us, we become the victim of it and it then drives our emotions, our physiology, our reactions, and even our energy. Taking that control back and keeping stress in its place will create a healthier mind and body which will then be much better equipped to manage with the stress. Submitting to stress will break down our bodies to the point we become ill or even, depressed. It’s time to change who or what is in control.
Step 2) Separate ourselves from the stressAllowing the stress to become part of our identity makes it a part of us. If we separate ourselves from it, and identify it, we can manage it. Saying something as simple as, “That’s just the stress talking,” allows us to disengage from it and have power over it. Writing our fears down in a journal also allows us to disengage ourselves from it. Write it and leave it there. Set it aside and leave it there.
Step 3) Do something physicalThere is a strong connection between the body and mind. Physical activity changes the endorphins in our brain. When we walk or do yoga or other physical activity, we feel better due to endorphins being released in our brain. These endorphins are known as feel good hormones and can help change our perspective and outlook on the situation. If we do something outside, better yet! Vitamin D can also help us manage stress.
Step 4) Sleep! Sleep deprivation definitely affects our mind and outlook. But what do we do when stress keeps us awake in the middle of the night? Having a tablet or notebook near the bed can help. Quickly jot it down and then set it aside. This can, again, help us disengage from the stress. There’s not much we can do about it in the middle of the night anyway. Understanding why we stress more at night can also help us manage it. During sleep, our mind is repairing and processing information to determine if it should be stored in long term memory. While all of this is going on, our brain goes into a fight or flight mode to allow for this much needed brain restoration. We are, after all, “sleeping.” When we wake up in the middle of the night to a thought that seems bigger than life, it’s because our brain is trying to decide if it should fight or flee. Our ability to problem solve and process the problem has been diminished. Understanding what causes our nighttime “Whatif’s,” (as Shel Silverstain refers to them), can help us calm our monkey mind.
Step 5): Identify our triggersTime management, feeling like we’re losing control, a time of year or day of the week can all be triggers. When we recognize the trigger and know it will pass, it is easier to navigate through it. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel phenomena. Seeing beyond the moment or remembering the big picture of life when we are in these times help us better manage. Asking ourselves, “Will I remember this 5 year from now?” or “Will this matter in 5 years?” can help us put these times into perspective.
Taking control of the stress is one of the best ways to manage the stress. Happy minds and happy bodies make happy lives. It’s as SIMPLE as that!
These are my opinions and not meantto replace professionaladviceor treatment.Feel free to share or leave comments below. If you like this post and want to read more like this, please subscribe to my blog!