Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. However, that doesn’t mean you have to let it run your life. Let’s explore ways for you to manage the stress in your life.
Here are a few approaches navigating and manage the stress in your life.
Daily Meditation
I know. With your busy lifestyle, who has time to just stop? But that’s the entire point! You don’t have to meditate for a long period of time. Just commit to just 2 minutes a day. Start simply if you want the habit to stick. You can meditate for 5 minutes if you feel good about it, but all you’re committing to is at least 2 minutes each day.
Pick a general time, like morning when you wake up, or during your lunch hour. Find a quiet spot. Many find quiet first thing in the morning. Others might find a spot in a park or in the car.
Focus on your breath. As you breathe in, follow your breath in through your nostrils, then into your throat, then into your lungs and stomach. Sit up straight and close your eyes. As you breathe out, follow your breath out back into the world.
Do this for a month and you’ll have a daily meditation ritual.
Pleasure Principle
We've been brought up in a "work till you drop" culture that prioritizes jobs over joy. One of the greatest remedies for stress is making sure that you make pleasure as important as a pay check.
USE ALL YOUR PTO!! On average the majority of U.S workers don't use all their paid time off at work. That time is yours. Use it to engage in fun past times or just rest. Do whatever it takes to break up that draining work schedule.
Live a little. Don't be so hard on yourself and give room for some guilty pleasure, within reason and moderation. Turn on the game, have a stiff drink, light a cigar. Especially with so such of society being limited, you should create enjoyment whenever you can.
Handling stress is an exercise of balance. Mixing the right amount of calm with a little indulgence is the key. The pay off is a well rounded professional and personal lifestyle.
Written By Marc Kelly
