Sunday, August 3, 2014

Whoa! Do you ever have one of those days where you are absolutely certain, without a shred of doubt, that the universe decided to pick on you? And not just a little ‘nanner nanner nanner, I’m not touching you….. :P’ kind of way, but rather a I-brought-my-brass-knuckles-and-rock-filled-sock-so-let’s-get-down-to-business kind of way? I don’t have those days often. But the universe grabbed me by the short hairs this week. KO’ed! And no amount of counting by the ref ended the round. Just whoa!

We all have stressful days/weeks/months. I think our natural response is to lash out or become a little destructive. We grab cigarettes, alcohol, food, or any number of other things to try to cope. Maybe some of you are even like I was as a child? I broke things when I was too stressed.( So not cool! But I did it anyway. ) While these responses can make us feel slightly better for a short time, they can be really unhealthy. Instead we need to find more productive and healthier ways to respond when the universe decides “you’re next!” and tags us for the ring. 😉

We are all unique beings with our own perceptions and experiences. We all have our own path to traverse; our own story to be told. Finding what techniques work well for you when under attack from outside factors will be essential for holding a more healthy, relaxed, positive mind frame. The better we handle stress, the healthier our bodies and minds become. Here are some techniques I use to bring back the inner peace and block those universe initiated uppercuts……….

Music: Music can be wonderful for altering a foul mood. Stick to things like classical, instrumentals, gentle nature sounds, yoga music, or others of that nature. Just being still, taking in the music can be a wonderful way to let the tension fall. As you sit or lie down, allow the body to relax. Breathe slow and steady, letting the stress go with each exhale. Before you know it, you are feeling much more calm and don’t feel the need to Hulk Smash a thing! Be conscious of others though. Not too loudly….unless your neighbor needs a chill out/time out too. 😉

Yoga: Another really good way to let the daily stress go is to practice yoga. In the morning it can be a great way to greet the new day by keeping a calm, positive mindset. Or practiced in the evening, it can be another wonderful tool to assist in letting the stress go. There are a lot of wonderful books, dvd’s, or Youtube videos out there to help you, from the very experienced on down to the I-have-never-been-flexible. Find what works for you.

Exercise: Not only is exercise necessary for maintaining a healthy body, it helps relieve stress and assist with a healthy mind. The next time you feel the need to go postal, try your favorite exercise routine instead. Don’t have a routine? A simple walk or jog will also help clear the mind. Don’t feel like walking? Turn on that favorite song and dance like no one’s business! 🙂

Meditation: Meditation. Ah, this is one of my favorites. A go-to for those days the universe declared war and I didn’t get the memo. Meditation is so simple and so rewarding. It can be done with or without music; guided or not. There are so many meditation products available to us now, it really comes down to preference. Guided meditations are just that, narrated to guide you through the process. For unguided just find a quiet spot. A dimly lit room can be helpful. You can play any of the above recommended music or just sit silently. You really only need 8 minutes. Start with three clear, deep, cleansing breaths. Clear the worry and stress out of your mind. Do not worry about anything. Let your mind wander. If you notice your thoughts are getting stuck on an idea, take a few nice deep breaths and release it. Just be still. Feel the tension escaping your mind and body, leaving nothing but a calm, relaxed one in its place. Another really wonderful option is to sign up for a 40 day Sadhana at http://www.spiritvoyage.com. Their meditations have a specialized focus. They are not always up and available but it is a wonderful site to use. I personally do not worry about following the instructions but rather just utilize the mantras and music. Any way you use it, meditation is fabulous for melting away the stress.

There you have it! The next time the universe comes looking for you, you will have the tools needed to fight back, without Miss Piggy smashing things and Godzilla RAWRRing at everyone. Or at the very least it will help you recuperate from the universe’s ninja strike. 🙂

Enjoy!
Posted by Stepping Stones Holistic Health at 7:22 PM