So much of stress management is about understanding what it does to your body. Knowing how to build physical and mental resilience when dealing with the inevitable daily stressors that will crop up in daily life will help you feel better connected to a sense of peace and wellness.
When we are stressed, our body floods with adrenaline and prepares us for the Fight or Flight response we have all heard of. What often is missed is that our body is unable to perceive the intensity level of stress and will have the above response regardless. So, whether you are being chased by a sabre-toothed tiger or you are having an argument with your spouse, the stress response is PHYSICALLY the same!
Having the ability to soothe our own nervous systems is imperative in building our stress resilience. Our top 3 tips for this:
1. Focus on your breath. Begin to notice what is causing you stress in your life and how it physically affects your body. You might freeze, feel numb, breathless, feel heat or constriction in your body; simply notice then BREATHE. Breathe in through your nose for the count of 4 and out through your nose for the count of 8. Repeat for 3 minutes and let this bring you back into your parasympathetic nervous system.
2. Practice Gratitude. Make an effort each day, either first thing in the morning or before bed to write down what you are feeling grateful for. These things can be big or small, but once you introduce this awareness to what you already have and are receiving, you notice the good more and more.
3. Get on top of your diet and hydration. Nourish to flourish. When our diet is filled with whole foods and is balanced, we tend to feel the same. Drink filtered water. This is a long term strategy for the every day. If, for the most part, you are on top of the foundations of your health, stress is easier to manage by default. Eat well, sleep well, drink enough water and move your body.
If you feel like stress is contributing to your long term pain or ill health, you can give our team a call on 01621 927645 to see how we can help you.