“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” -Jon Kabat-Zinn
Experts estimate that 70 percent of our illnesses are related to stress. Since conflict is inevitable, we have two choices: allow stress to consume and control us, or find ways to navigate stressful situations with a sense of inner calm.
If you’re dealing with a particularly stressful situation, you may find one of these tips helpful.
– Use a deep breathing technique, like ujayii, to soothe yourself and seep into the present moment.
– Metaphorically release it. Write down all your stresses and toss the paper into your fireplace.
– Take a sauna break. Studies reveal that people who go to sauna at least twice a week for 10-30 minutes are less stressed after work than others with similar jobs who don’t.
– Organize your desk. According to Georgia Witkin, assistant director of psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, completing a small task increases your sense of control and decreases your stress level.
– Laugh it out. Research shows that laughter soothes tension, improves your immune system, and even eases pain. If you can’t relax for long, start with just ten minutes watching a funny video on YouTube.
– Use it up. Make two lists: one with the root causes of your stress, and one with actions to address them. As you complete these tasks, visualize yourself utilizing and depleting your “stress supply.”
TinyBuddha
