We all experience stress on a daily basis, but we have choices on how we relate to stress. Our minds can be overactive causing us to live in the past with thoughts of regret, or living in the future contemplating the “what if’s” that may or may not even happen. Give stress thought-trains the red light and stop them in their tracks. To worry about your future, that “maybe this or maybe that will happen” is useless energy and much different than being concerned. Being concerned gives us clear thinking, while worry just upsets us and constricts the energy in our body and our thinking. Worry causes stress.

To calm an overactive mind, place your fingers above each eye. Press firmly for 3-4 minutes while taking in some long, slow, deep breaths. Say aloud or in your mind, “I am okay no matter what happens. I can handle this with grace and ease.” The subconscious mind does not know the difference between real and unreal. It will act on what you consistently tell it. You are creating a new reality for yourself. What you tell yourself comes true. Focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want.

With so much media attention on the negative things going on in the world, our bodies tend to go into the fight or flight mode. Our energy is in overdrive. Too much of this causes immune system challenges such as chronic fatigue, anger, irritability, depression, and even exhaustion. There is an energy pathway for the “fight or flight” energy that runs up and around each ear. It’s easy to sedate this energy! Place your fingertips in front of each ear and while pressing gently, smooth your fingers up and over the ears and off the back of your neck. Repeat this 5-6 times whilke taking in some deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. This is taking care of you! Stop for a moment right now and begin to create this healthy habit as a gift for yourself.

Lastly, you can trick your body into relaxing by using heavy breathing. Breathe in slowly for a count of 7 then breathe out for a count of 11. Repeat the 7-11 breathing until your heart rate slows down, your sweaty palms dry off and things start to feel more normal.

Stress is a normal part of life. In small quantities, stress is actually good — it can motivate you and help you be more productive. However, too much stress, or a strong response to stress, is harmful. You may need to seek further assistance if your stress is persistent.

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