Mental stress causes physical distress. So, what does that look like? Well, first let me point out the obvious (what most of you are thinking right now), and that is that stress is part of life. Everyone experiences stress...and is not all bad. There is lots of good stress in life - getting a new job, a wedding, new love! The "problem" begins when there is no reprieve from the not-so-good stress. That buildup can cause something referred to as distress. Most people have symptoms of distress everyday, but they become so use to them that they are categorized as "normal". Distress can lead to physical upset. Some of these physical symptoms include:
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Energy Practitioner, and Spiritual Counselor, the obvious answer to me is, book an appointment, let me help you!! However, there are some other things you can do for yourself, such as: 1. Be honest with yourself. I mean it. Be really honest with yourself. Make a list of your "have to's" -- including all the social obligations and those in your life you say you just must interact with....No one but you will see this list, so don't hold back! a.) This is the fun part...highlight anything that doesn't make you feel good. What do you have an adverse reaction to? b.) Out of what you highlighted, what can you truly say "no" to? Some of these "have to's" will be no-brainers. Those are easy to cross off the list. Others will require more thought...Anything you initially feel can be knocked off your list, cross it off!! (How good does that feel?) c.) Okay, now to the rest of your list. Some of what you really don't want to do may be necessity. For instance, you really do have to pick your kids up from daycare. Though I am not big on needing the approval from others, there are those (including law enforcement) that will frown on neglecting the kids...with that being said, what are the other things on your list? How many of these "have to's" are attached to what other people might think of you if you don't do them? d.) If you find yourself unable to cross things off your list because you are afraid of what you will look like or what other people will think of you, now is a good time to spend a little bit thinking about what that means to you. I've come up with some very simple reflection questions. Here goes: What would it say if I didn't do this? = the answer here may just lead you to a belief systems that may or may not serve you anymore. We do things all the time because we were conditioned at some point to do them, only to figure out later that we never liked it and it's not really necessary! Does this feed my soul? = We need to do things every day that uplift us, are in alignment with who WE saw we are and what we stand for. So, simply ask, is that task in alignment with who I say I am? In other words, does it feed my soul? If the answer is yes, then what a great thing! If the answer is no, you can ask, "Then why do I do this?" You will probably be brought right back to your list and having to determine if it is truly necessary or not. 2. Be Silly! I mean it, be really silly! Have you laughed today? Well, you should. You should laugh every day. Don't miss the opportunity to find humor in every day living. It's fun, it's easy, it's free, and it's an immediate stress buster. 3. Get some sleep! It is really necessary to stay up to catch up on your "shows"? Your body needs and reprieve and sleep is just the thing to bring that! 4. Incorporate self care into your daily life. That's right, being nice to yourself should not be considered a treat. I hear that more and more...When did we begin thinking and acting as if everyone and everything around us deserved more attention and love than us?? Worse yet is the feeling of guilt that some have associated with doing nice things for yourself. Some things you can try: Meditate. Yes, you read that correctly. Yes, you are capable of sitting with stillness for 3 minutes. Trust me, you may even start to like it :) Take a walk, even if only around the block. Carving out 15 minutes is doable, even for a working person, with kids, a dog, and deadlines. Make a monthly date night with friends - or your partner for that matter. (Preferably a weekly date night, but we can start small.) Laughter is the best stress buster and best done in the company of your besties! (I don't care how old you are, there is healing power in being silly with your best friends!) Schedule a massage, an Energy Healing Session, or a Spiritual Counseling Session-- Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue, or Therapeutic. Whatever your preference, massage and energy work will certainly help to quiet your mind and for at least the time you are on the table, you are certainly not focused on what you "have to" do. It's your time. It's your reprieve. You may be surprised at what your body is trying to tell you. Need to know more about Spiritual Counseling, Click here: Spiritual Counseling. 5. Take a class. Paint class, exercise class, whatever! What's your style, your passion, or what have you always wanted to try? Do it! Not sure where to start? Check out the Connecticut Small Business Networking Group. There are direct links to various professionals from all different business wanting to connect and teach you! I'd love to hear from you -- what stresses you out, what have you done to combat stress? Check out what I offer and schedule your own appointment, or contact me for a free consultation. I love helping people get back on track.
1 Comment
11/10/2014 06:26:00 pm
Massage is a great thing for releasing stress and tension. Keep up the good work.
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