De-Stressing
De-Stressing has a lot to do with knowledge, understanding, and a change in behavior. In today’s society, we have become indoctrinated to “more.” The more we fill our calendars with “stuff” — family schedules, business meetings, work shifts or extensions, volunteering — the better we think we are doing. Many of us are living with the illusion that our bodies can function no matter how much we abuse it.
Our biggest stress inducers seem to be doing what others want of us. And for some reason we don’t associate all of the busyness consuming time with increased stress — physical, emotional and mental.
Why is it taking so long for us to realize that the outpouring of energy without the replenishing or influx of new energy is extremely important to our health and well-being? The importance of living to benefit the complete wellness of our being is the best step to reduce the stress we find ourselves trying to climb out of. It is no one’s responsibility to look after our health, but ourselves.
We are energy beings who need energy to sustain ourselves. Energy pulls come from every direction as we go through life, whether we are in the hospital, restaurant, classroom, lecture hall, on public transportation or in the car. Wherever people are energy is being exchanged. You can’t fill someone else’s cup when your’s is empty. Only when you accept the fact that you need to refill your cup will a change in behavior happen. There are some easy things you can put into place to begin changing your behaviors.
Nothing will happen to reverse your situation until you realize and acknowledge that you would feel better if one or all of the following were incorporated into your lifestyle:
- Get some rest, take some “me” time, AND don’t feel guilty. You will be surprised at the return of your ability to think more clearly and for thoughts to be more stable.
- Establish an exercise regime to work stress out of the body. Movement not only helps you maintain your youthful appearance, your emotions will be more joyful, too.
- Create better and healthier eating habits — taking in more life giving foods. Your body needs food to build and regenerate itself at the cellular level. Shining hair, glowing skin, and feeling good is a result of changing these habits.
- Chose better and drink healthier fluids. Water does more for your healing than you give it credit for — water not only hydrates, but maintains life as well. Carbonated and alcoholic beverages add to weight gain and makes your body crave the water it needs to truly quenches the thirst. Herbal teas and various types of coconut water are also good alternatives.
Caring about yourself is a full time vocation. Do not try to make it into a part-time activity. It must become the one major focus of your life. Otherwise, you are accepting a different purpose for your life, one that is not consistent with your peace and happiness. Paul Ferrini
