I woke up this morning with a full day of clients on for my coaching business and a family to care for… PLUS extra work to do with an article to write for the Copy Idol competition that I am a part of. I wasn’t sure how it would all fit in!
Have you ever woken up with the same feelings? So much on your plate and unsure of how you will make it work. After you have woken up feeling that way, the most important part is what you will do next.
I once read something that said that when the Dalai Lama was asked what he did when he was very busy and stressed, he said, “I meditate more”.
For many of you, you may be thinking, “but I don’t have time to do that, that’s my problem already, I don’t have enough time in my day.”
We all have 24 hours in a day, it’s just a matter of how you choose to use them. When you are focused and with a clear mind, you will get more done in a shorter period of time.
When you decide to run around in a stressful state, there is a tendency to make mistakes, get distracted, waste energy, and everything just takes longer.
5 Quick And Easy Tips To Relieve Stress
So let’s talk about 5 easy and quick ways that you can bring clarity and peace of mind to your busy day.1. Do like the Dalai Lama and meditate.
I have heard the excuse (and used it myself before learning about meditation). “It doesn’t work for me.” “I can’t calm my mind.” “I don’t have time.”Meditation doesn’t have to be more than 10 minutes if that is all you have time for. Just sit down, away from your work and close your eyes, breathe and just be. If things come to your mind, say thank you and let them go. I tell you, that when you do this, you may have the most profound answers come to you in a flash.
Another option is to put a meditation CD on. If time is a constraint, look for ones that go for 20-30 minutes. This will help put you into a fantastic state to continue on with your day.
2. BREATHE!
This goes hand in hand with meditation. Again, step away from your work and take even 3 minutes to just breathe. Take deep breaths all the way in to your belly and let it go out through your mouth. Let all the air go. And as you let the air go, imagine all the tension leaving your body as well. Let every muscle in your body just relax.As you breathe deeply, you are bringing fresh energy and oxygen into your body and the more oxygen your brain gets, the more it can focus and function… the clearer and happier you become.
3. Get up and MOVE!
This starts with getting up from your desk. My Dad works at home and I have seen him sit in his chair for literally 4 hours without getting up and moving. Not to go to the toilet, not for water, not for food, nothing… just sitting there and working. Have you ever done that? If so, your first step is to just step away from your work.Set an alarm on your computer to remind you that an hour has passed so that you know to get up and walk around. Otherwise, the computer will steal time from you without you even knowing it’s gone.
4. Exercises to reduce stress levels…
Here are some fun exercises you can do to energize your body and get everything flowing. These can be done anywhere and only take a few minutes. If you enjoy doing these, check out The Ultimate Weight Loss Program, our online program, where we show you at least 40 different exercises and stretches you can do anytime to help you reduce stress. This is great if you only have a short time to exercise!
a) To start with, do a breathing squat. One of my husband’s favourite things to assign for his clients is 100 squats. Do that and you are sure to get the energy flowing (and the legs burning).
With your arms at your side or in front, inhale and lower yourself down as you exhale, pause, then inhale as you return to a standing position. Breathe through your nose.
b) The next exercise is a toe touch.
For this you start with your feet together and go to the lower position with your knees bent and your hands directly over your toes.
Then keeping your hands on your toes, inhale as you stand up until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
Drop back down again with your knees bent as you exhale. Go at your natural breathing pace and do this at least 10 times.
c) Another Exercise is called the Wood Chop. This is one of my favourites and really gets the stress out.
Stand upright and bring your arms overhead as you inhale.
Come down as you exhale, bending at the waist. Pretend you are chopping wood. Start slowly and build up speed as you get used to it. Let gravity do most of the work. You are moving energy with this.
Alternate your chopping to the left, right and center. Go at breathing pace and do at least 21 in total.
5. Want a quick Fix?
I’ll give you one option. Flower Essences! Here in Australia, we have Bush Flower essences. I love them and there are many combinations you can get. The best one for stress relief is called Emergency Essence.There are also Bach Flower Essences that originate in England. You will find Rescue Remedy will help for stress relief.
You just drop the remedy under your tongue and it can be taken many times a day with no side effects. Read the bottles for dosages. These will be found in health food stores and some chemists. If you have any health conditions, please check to make sure these are safe for you to take.
Although I haven’t explained what they are, just trust me when I tell you that they work. I studied under the creator of Bush Flower Essences and watched amazing things happen to other people and myself when using this technique.
There are so many great easy ways to relieve stress. Although I may have given you a few new ideas, some of them you have probably heard before. The important thing to remember here is to DO THEM!
If you find yourself feeling stressed, stop and do something to calm yourself down. Your whole day will be much better and can be turned around when you do. Commit to making yourself and your body number one and this stuff will just come naturally and be easy!
For more information on relieving stress and creating a healthy lifestyle, please contact Evolve Your Health now. Pick up the phone and call 02 8006 1256 or email us at info@evolveyourhealth.com.
