Stress is a huge influencer in most of our lives. Stress does not come from the world around us; it's our perception (our reality) of what's going on... our personal attachment and reactions. Stress can come from eating poorly, over promising, our reaction to traffic, noise, pollution, toxic relationships, disappointments, pain, fears, poor sleep, multi-tasking, etc.
The short list of not dealing with stress properly can be misplaced hostilities, strokes, poor sleep patterns, lack of focus, heart attack, diabetes, mood changes, sexual dysfunctions, erratic business performance, panic attacks, depression, memory loss, anger, etc. It's not pretty.
We are, in many regards, "too close to the trees to see the forest." But in slowing down to recognize and deal with things as they are, not as we justify them to be (everyone has a compelling back story as reasoning for self destructive behavior), positive change can make us physically healthier and mentally sharper.
7 STRESS MANAGEMENT IDEAS
#1 Learn and use meditation or
self-hypnosis regularly. Studies worldwide show fewer cases of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia and memory loss for those who practice meditation and/or self-hypnosis. Meditation and S-Hyp. promote better sleep patterns. During quality sleep (REM) toxins (residual proteins and tags) are flushed from the brain cells. Toxic build up in the brain, over a period of time, is like rust developing on a neglected garden tool left outside in the rain. Take care of your brain and it will take care of you.
I prefer self-hypnosis because, aside from the health benefits of better sleep and energy, the advantages of using this state of mind to change habits and attitudes and improve performance and memory... is so valuable.
LEARN TO SLEEP WELL
- Darken the bedroom as best you can and keep the room temperature on the cool side.
- Don't nap during the day.
- Stop eating, drinking and exercise 2 hours before bedtime.
- Use the bedroom for sleep and sex not as an office or a place to accumulate and use all your digital devices.
- Create a bedtime routine (reading is preferable to TV).
- Put together a to-do list and prioritize it just before going to sleep.
- Go to bed the same time each night. There are always exceptions to the rule, but heading in the direction that will well serve you allows your brain to anticipate creating and duplicating a good sleep cycle
#2 De-clutter your life. Organize the mess that may exist in your car, in your home, in your office and create filing systems that work so your mind can experience that the "tail is not wagging the dog." Your mind likes and appreciates, "neat!" Delegate responsibilities when you can. Dial back on negative relationships. Spend less time with the draining, negative, sarcastic life wasters around you. Being around supportive, well speaking, energetic, doers will keep you younger and healthier longer. Good food is good for the body; good mental stimulation is good for the brain.
#3 Find reasons to laugh. Outwardly. Holding a laugh back is repressive, letting it out produces an immediate endorphin rush.
#4 Exercise. Weights, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, stretching on a regular basis produce more endorphins and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Schedule the time and perhaps engage a workout buddy or personal trainer if you find it hard to maintain consistency. You know this is important--just do it!
#5
Eat well. Be conscious of what you choose to put into your body. Eating clean allows for better absorption and healthier more responsive muscular, respiratory, circulatory and lymphatic systems, producing less cancer causing free radicals. Weight loss and body health is 20% exercise, 80% nutrition and 100% mindset. What's good for the body is good for the brain. Let go of the old clichés and reasons you've used to justify doing what's easy, not doing what's right.
#6 Schedule to and show up for your appointments early. Feeling like you're constantly running behind puts extra pressure on mind and body. It doesn't have to be that way. Slow down and do more...comfortably.
Manage your time or it will manage you.
Slow down once in a while and do a little check up from the neck up.
#7 Periodically throughout the day take a minute to do nothing but concentrate on taking deep slow breaths. Close your eyes, lower your shoulders, relax. Be MINDFUL of what you're doing and feeling.
There are, obviously, many more great ideas that can make a positive difference. Find and create small rituals or systems that work for you.
Thanks for reading. Please do pass this on.
Make it a great day!
Barry Eisen
**Founded in May 2005, BReaKiNG iNTo HoLLyWooD (BiH) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps creative and business professionals in the entertainment industry achieve their career goals. Our mission is to encourage our members and the creative community-at-large to pursue their entertainment careers with integrity, creativity and enthusiasm!**
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