We have all heard the phrase "stress kills." It is absolutely, without a doubt, something modern and holistic medicine agree upon. Yet, we all have daily and sometimes what seems impossible stressful situations in our lives. We can't always change our circumstances but what we can change is how we react to the stress. Here are some of my favorite and free techniques to help de-stress for less: BREATHE- Yes, my number one go to free de-stressor is to breathe. You would be surprised at how many times you catch yourself holding your breathe or shallow breathing especially when under stress. Even while I'm typing this blog I have to purposefully breathe. A daily routine I do with my asthmatic daughter is to do three cleansing breathes. Breathe in to the count of 10, hold for 3, and out for 10 through the teeth (making a snake sound that is very calming). Repeat three times. When we started this breathing exercise she could not breathe in to the count of 10. She can now do 15 in and out for 3 minutes or more. This has tremendously improved her singing voice and her oxygen levels. On a scientific level, breathing like this will release dopamine and serotonin to bring peace and calm to the stressed out brain. The key is to be mindful. Stop your brain from thinking about the stress and just focus on the breath. Here is a link where you can view my breathing exercise video. Perception Reframing - Perceiving the stress as a benefit and motivator rather than a dead end. For instance, a certain boss or teacher is constantly belittling you or being passive aggressive. Instead of seeing this behavior as "I can't ever do anything right so why try" mentality, see it as what it most likely is, THEIR ISSUE! 9 times out of 10 a person in authority is operating under an enormous amount of stress and pressure to perform. They pass that stress on down to their students and employees to perform better to please the powers that be. When someone is berating you think about what and where this is really coming from and feel sorry for them. Feel compassion for their circumstances that lead them to this place of anger and resentment. In saying that, it also could be that you are falling short on your responsibility which will lead to stress. Be vulnerable and ask for guidance. Defensiveness is the fastest way to closing the door to growth and fulfillment. Seeing yourself as successful and in a better place will manifest that for you. Seeing yourself in a no way out situation will keep you stuck in the stress. If you are having a hard time practicing gratitude or rewriting your story, please contact me for a one on one call. Laugh!- Watch your favorite comedian or funny videos. Give yourself a laugh hour everyday. Making this a family time will help your whole family destress and unwind. It will also help your kids see you as more than a bundle of stress. Tapping & EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) allows you to focus on the stress and release it to feel calm. Tapping is moving stuck energy. I have released pain with tapping. It is highly effective. Watch this video to learn how to use EFT and my tapping exercise video to release your way out of stress. Qi Gong (Chinese Yoga) - This is an amazing de-stressor. With practice, Qi gong will help you live at a slower, less hectic pace. Being mindful of your breathe and movement will become natural even when not performing the exercise. Watch the video below and learn some basic Qi gong moves to get you started on a journey to better mental and physical health. You can also use my Mindful Movements video to incorporate movements, meditation and breath work into your daily routine. Raindrop therapy- This technique was designed by D. Gary Young to harmonize, relax, and rejuvenate by bringing balance to the mind and body. I have personally experienced release of trauma held in my spine. https://youtu.be/kJJCiN9DhZw I hope you will incorporate one or more of these de-stressors into your daily routine. I highly recommend them for all ages. I have used these methods with team sports as well as weekly classes. As always, please contact me for a one on one call for help in managing your health and managing your stress.
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