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How much do you stress about your own stress? And what do you think happens when you change your thoughts about stress? Recently I came over a film from Ted Talks, and it is really worth watching. Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal recommend us to put more effort in exploring experiences which gives us meaning.
Is it this easy? Focusing on how to avoid not focusing on stress, and rather accept it and approach good relaxing experiences, will this make you feel better? Is the secret actually in our mind?
I am often thinking about stress of something to avoid, something that should not be a part of my life. It seems quite impossible, I have changed my mindset to consider stress as a part of a chaotic lifestyle filled with sudden changes, updates, pressure maybe, even expectations from oneself and others. Its feels like its a physical and mental stress happening because life is too fast. But this stress could actually be a power for us, and a place to learn from. Examining the stress could actually lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and eventually contribute to life changes. Because if we accept stress as a part of our lives instead of repressing feelings, we might feel its getting less negative. Another form of stress is the happy-stress feeling, the stress that actually leeds you to do some major changes, following your heart and your dreams. The one that makes you dive into your emotional library and pay attention to whats going on. To be able to make a positive change in your life.
Accepting stress is balancing your life. Following Kelly McGonigal suggestions telling ourselves that this is my body helping me to understand and handle the stress. The stress hormone oxytocin is also the cuddling hormone. This hormone kicks in when we hug people (nice to know), physiologically the same way as when we feel stress. Kelly recommends us to pursue more emotional stimulating situations.
Well, the most incredible thing about our body is the stress response we have built in and which actually increase the resistance. This mehcanism is human contact, talking to people, socializing, cuddle.. In fact by accepting stress and approaching people you, tell your body that this is something you can deal with. You are not alone.
In other words it is more meaningful to search for content because it is better for your health, than trying to escape from whatever makes you feel uncomfortable. Trust yourself that you can handle whatever comes out from that place.
This is a little excercises I use whenever stress and worries domintae me. Turn on some nice, relaxing music which triggers your senses. This is a favorite.
So – take a deep breath!!!I am sitting on a chair. Closing my eyes, lowering my shoulders, turning the palms of my hand forward. Thinking about my tailbone reaching the ground, the crown of my head reaching the sky. Lengthening. Chin in and creating a lengthening in my neck. Sitting silently focusing on my breath. Inhaling I am thinking about that beach waves washing my body in the front from toes to head. exhaling continuing to wash from the top of my head on the back towards the toes. Repeating this breath 5 to 10 times or until the songs is finished.
I am hoping you can embrace you stress with a friendly care
Big hug Monica
