I am sure you have asked yourself how to have
a less stressful life... What am I possibly going to say that would be
different than thousands of post out there?
Honestly... probably nothing. The only
difference and impact I can make is in sharing my personal techniques on
handling stress. Now, are they always easy? Well, that depends! It is different
for every person. But in my experience and observation a few methods have
proven themselves to be absolutely fool-proof and I will divulge those to you
now.
(As I mentioned, some may work for you and some may not, but you
won't know unless you try. "Do or do not. There is no try'' This
is the advice Yoda gives me from my
shiny Star Wars morning coffee mug. Yes, we are all familiar with this tid-bit
of advice, but if it has been overstated, it’s because it is true: at what
point in your life you going to decide to kick excuses to the curb and change
your way of thinking? It’s completely up to you.)
The thing is you can read books, inspirational
quotes, internet advice, get a coach, etc... But in the end, if you are not
willing to put effort in, then you won't get the results you want. I tell this
to my students all the time and when I started in my training in Japanese Martial Arts my teacher told
me the same thing and we have never stopped saying it.
Here are some tips:
| Step2tv.org |
· Think about your
favorite song. Or better yet, go back in time to a moment when you heard a song
and it got you moving you butt off... Good. Now hear that song playing at this
moment and notice how it makes you feel. I am jamming to my favorite playlist
right now, even as I write this. To me, music is the best way to focus and have
a stress-free time doing it!
2. Numero Dos: Physical activity
· Even though
mostly known for its benefits to self-defense, fitness, and healthier
lifestyle, another way that has help me with handling stress has been Traditional Martial arts. It clears my head of
most stress-producing thoughts; helping me focus on what is important at the
moment and the things I can control. Stress-producing thoughts are those that
take out of the present moment and tamper with your state of mind. For example,
as you read this, are you thinking of the bills you have to pay later or the
fluctuating stock market or something you said to someone years ago? If so, try
going for a run! That will clear the muck right up!
3. Numero Tres: Eat right
 |
| Today.com |
· This is a big one for
many people. We all have tried at some point to have better control over this
essential element. I am talking about food...Yes, what you eat can also cause
your body stress. As with most other things, it’s important to strike a balance
in our diets: constantly eating food that is too acidic, or fried, or
overly-processed can tamper with the natural well being your body is constantly
trying to achieve. If your body is out of balance, you will find that your
thoughts are also out of balance. I am not an expert on this one but you can
check out this blog about healthier life styles here on very good friend of
mine's blog Ashni Life Style Solutions.
4. Numero Cuatro: Laugh a little and you will
live a little
· Let go of yourself
and laugh at some point in your day. Here is a video for you to have a laugh
today! Enjoy every moment you have with your love ones, friends, family,
animals, or anything else that make you laugh or giggle. For me, these joyful
elements are my Wife, our puppy, my family, and friends. Make sure also
give time to be with yourself.
5. Numero Cinco: Mindfulness
 |
| Photo by Hospice of Valley |
·
You are what you feel,
so this is a big one. You can go about integrating mindfulness in several ways.
In our classes we teach about posture, character, breathing, awareness, and
other elements that are included in Japanese Martial Arts. However,
you can also practice it throughout the day no matter what you’re doing.
Mindfulness is the art of being fully in the moment and unencumbered by
invasive thoughts. For example, when you sit to eat, do you turn off the TV and
savor each bite? Or do you eat half-mindedly, arriving at the last bite and not
entirely sure how you got there? Mindfulness brings so much peace, and it’s
important to practice it even just a few moments each day.
As I mentioned in the beginning, effort goes a
long way. If stress is getting in the way of your goals, are you willing
to put the time and effort to change your relationship with stress? There is
something my teacher said to me a long time ago that
stuck with me from there on and I will leave you with that thought:
"You are what you hear, see, eat, and
say". At first I took it in and thought about it… Then I looked at
everything in my life which was positive and helped me move forward, becoming a
better person in every way. And those are the things I choose to allow in.
Till next time!
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