Stress Does NOT Go With My Outfit

fierce habits life balance positive thinking Feb 20, 2018

The F.I.E.R.C.E. Life

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Stress Does NOT Go With My Outfit

Are you wearing any STRESS today?

How does it feel?

Does it go with YOUR outfit?

Stress is something that has become the norm and in many circles can even be a badge of honor, similar to the glorification of busy. Been there...still there?

However, we know that when we experience, feel, & wear our stress for any period of time, it feels a lot less like a badge of honor and more like a 20-ton load on our backs, for all to see.

And, as I recently learned, your body will give you a WAKE-UP CALL, in my case SHINGLES, if you ignore any of the warnings for too long.

It's a bit ironic actually... this whole stress thing... since stress was something we needed back in the "running from a lion to save my life" days as a natural way to keep us safe.

In today's world, we've manipulated that fight or flight response in a way that's causing harm & draining our energy faster than the lion we were running from.

The good news is that we also have a relaxation response ready at disposal. It is simply a matter of learning or remembering how to FLIP it.

Just a quick note about stress before we dive into the flip…

"Stress spelled backwards is DESSERTS.

Coincidence? I think not!"

~ Unknown

Yes, we are well aware that feeling stressed can lead to eating desserts; and while the occasional treat can & should absolutely be enjoyed, the combo of sugar & stress is a double whammy of inflammation & fatigue which only speeds up that energy drain.

Instead of reaching for "desserts" the next time the stress monster strikes, try one of the 3 ways below to FLIP it to the relaxed side....

3 Ways To Turn Our Stress Response Into a Relaxation Response:

Unplug with some music
- Turn off electronics to eliminate the need respond now
- Turn on some of your favorite music, sit back, & relax
Breathe or Walk It Out
- Try Dr. Weil's 4-7-8 breathing exercise
- Walk it out, outside that is. Get some fresh air & decompress.
The Three D's (my fav!)
- Delegate: What can you delegate on your list?
- Defer: What can you defer to tomorrow or another day
- Delete: What can you delete all together?