Element: Stress Reduction

WELLNESS ELEMENT

STRESS REDUCTION

Reduce the effects of negative stress

Stress Reduction is one of the core pillars of the XY Wellness Approach to reclaiming and rebuilding your health and quality of life. For your consideration, here are seven simple suggestions to mull over:

Give up all hope for a better past. Regrets and grudges are a waste of your here and now. As is worrying about an uncertain future. It is how you take advantage of and use your here and now that will determine your future. Act accordingly.

Apparently not everyone is in your hurry. Yes, I’m talking to you. Traffic is traffic, and it is not our job to teach the world how to drive. And that is just one example. The more we react to things that we cannot affect, the more stress we needlessly inject into our daily life.

Avoid the absurd and unnecessary. Arguing over politics has as much chance of leading to a change in either party’s perspective as arguing over religious beliefs. So what’s the point? There is far too much self-induced and misdirected anger in America today. You have better things to do. Start by turning off cable news.

Meditate, don’t medicate. If the term “meditation” seems too New Age to you despite it being an ancient practice, then let’s simply refer to it as gathering your thoughts. A few moments each day unplugged and off the grid will not only lower your stress level but will boost your available energy level.

But definitely naturally medicate. Tap into the powerful benefits of exercise, and enjoy life riding a wave of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and adrenaline: all so good that it is hard to believe they are both free and legal. The fitter you get, the less you will crave other stimulants that actually further stress your body and increase your stress levels.

Focus on your priorities. Understand what truly matters to you, and make certain that you are investing your time and energy accordingly. Recognize the difference between being busy and being successful. Set and act upon priorities that make sense for you. Otherwise, others will set your priorities for you. Are you using your time and energy to pursue what you value most? If the first thing you do upon arriving at work is to check and clear your e-mail inbox, what does that suggest?

Life is far simpler than we allow it to be. “No drama” is my mantra in life and at work, but don’t get me wrong: I am a work in progress, and that’s on a good day. That aside, before you get upset about something, ask yourself if you will even remember the issue in two weeks’ time. If not, just let it go. In general, lighten up, focus on the here and now, pursue what matters most to you, and don’t forget to have a great time along the way.

Just saying. And that’s it.

THE ELEMENTS OF WEllness