Practical tips for managing stress.

Most of us experience times in our lives when we are inundated with stress. Our bodies don’t realise that most of what it perceives as a threat is just the result of living in the 21st century. Our body can’t distinguish between non threatening messages such as incessant buzzing from our phones and e-mail messages and all the chores on our to do lists.

Most of us don’t have methods to release stress or know of ways to unhook from chronic stress. However, we can harness stress by using the ABC method:

Awareness- (of thoughts) Am I thinking helpful thoughts?

Body- check in with your body. Do a body scan to check if your hands or shoulders are tight. Is there tension in your lower back?

Change-Change the environment, scan your mindset and flip it. For example if you have to give a speech reframe your stress. I notice I am holding tension in my shoulders. I am really excited about this speech I am about to give. I am going to use this nervousness and excitement to perform well.

Stress is part of life. If we can understand how to harness it and make sure it doesn’t overwhelm us, it can be turned around.

Stress can work for you but it can also hold you back. Consider having regular practices that help you release and reframe stress. These tools may involve breath work, massage, reiki, tapping and life coaching.

Call me if you need to reset the stress levels in your life.