Turn stress into positive energy!

We all experience stress and frustrations every day, the childminder rings in sick as you’re about to leave for work, stroppy clients or colleagues pouncing on you the minute you walk into the office or the kids trashing their clothes just as you’re about to leave the house for the school run…

Everyone’s stresses are different of course and we all have different levels; We all know the effects stress can have on our lives and our health, it’s been well documented and many of us will take measures to help reduce our stress – meditation, gym workouts, art classes – generally making sure we create relaxing ‘me’ time.

However, channeled correctly, stress can actually be good for you!  Yes, honestly! Research shows that when short bursts of stress end, your body automatically goes into repair mode which in turn boosts your immunity…. I am of course talking about short, everyday stresses here and not long-term stress often caused by ongoing problems, divorce, bereavement etc. I’ve highlighted a few tips to help you deal with short-term stress and so maximise the health benefits it can bring.

13 Things To Do To Let Go Of Stress

1. MOTIVATION – You are far more likely to deal with stress if you focus on the outcome… your boss may be driving you nuts at the same time as you may be trying to buy your dream home… positive thinking along the lines of ‘I work to pay my mortgage so I can enjoy my lovely house’ will help you to cope with the work stress… it’s a means to an end!
2. RELAX – Nothing new here – we all know it… counter stress with taking time out to relax – massage, sports, reading, coffee with a friend…. they all help keep the balance.
3. CHOICESBeing forced into doing something is stressful in itself so it’s essential to turn what has to be done into a choice… ‘I choose to tackle money worries by planning so I can enjoy a less stressful life’.
4. EXERCISE – Release those happy endorphins by destressing through physical activity…. you’ll eat better, sleep better and have more energy in reserve for whatever challenges come your way.
5. DON’T MULTITASK! – Scattered thoughts drain your brain! When you do one thing, both halves of your brain spring into action. When you attempt two things, each side of your brain takes a task, but try and do three things at once and your brain loses focus.
6. BREATHE! – Take five minutes out from your busy schedule or a stressful situation to sit in a quiet room and breathe deeply and slowly. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make!
7. LIST YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS – When you feel you’re not getting anywhere, write a list of things you HAVE achieved… you will surprise yourself and be less likely to beat yourself up for not getting through a ‘to do’ list!
8. 90 MINS AT A TIME – We are human – we are not robots! We are designed to work in short focused bursts than to keep going endlessly all day… stick to 90-minute slots and then take a short break, take a deep breath, visit the loo or grab a cuppa.
9. SHOUT IT OUT! – Take yourself away from a situation and have a good old shout! Anger releases blood flow to the brain and releases positive emotions… this is NOT the same as venting your anger at someone else!
10. MUSIC – In the movies, the hero always acts to some motivating music… no reason why you can’t do the same when you need to get something done! Calm, tranquil music is also soothing when you have a few minutes to unwind.
11. STRESS CALENDAR – If you feel that your stress is ongoing, at the end of each day score out of ten how much it’s affecting you… if the score is five or more for over two days, it may be time to seek help from outside or take time out.
12. MAKE A BREAK BETWEEN HOME AND WORK – Hard as it may be, it is important to try and separate home and work… try stopping off at the park for ten minutes on your way home and give your brain a chance to wind down before walking through your front door.
13. LET IT GO – Sometimes we have to accept that some of the stresses in our lives simply cannot be turned into a positive… this is when you need to make plans to change your situation to reduce the stress or simply accept you can’t solve a problem and let it go.

Let Go Of Stress

As I’ve already said, the tips outlined here are great strategies to help you deal with the irritations and stresses of day to day life… if these do not help or your stress is caused by something out of your control and that is ongoing, it may be time to seek outside help. Your GP is often the first port of call, a trusted friend whose judgement you value or maybe this is a time to consider hypnotherapy. By tapping into your subconscious in a deeply relaxed state, I can help you get to the root of your problem and help you find solutions and a way forward. Call me for a no-obligation, free consultation to see how hypnotherapy can help you to enjoy a stress-free life.