The Importance of Relaxation #2

[CernySmith]

The main thing to do is relax and let your talent do the work (Charles Barkley).

When you view stress as bad it overwhelms your nervous system, your body is flooded with chemicals that prepare you for “fight or flight.”  This stress response can be lifesaving in emergency situations where you need to act quickly.  But when your body is constantly activated by your view of stresses every day, it can wear your body down and take a toll on your emotional health.

So, the first thing to do is to rethink stress.  Can you see the upside of stress and see it as helpful and not threatening?  Even if stress is a challenge you can learn to calm your body so you are more relaxed.  The relaxation response puts the brakes on physical stress and brings your body and mind back into a state of equilibrium.  Be aware of your body and learn to relax it.

Try some of the following:
1.  Focus on your breathing, breathe in slowly through your nose, hold, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth.
2.  Remind yourself you are safe and can handle things in a relaxed body.  Your brain is sharper and open to more options when relaxed.
3.  Focus on what you can and cannot do.
4.  Learn to enjoy where you are no matter where you are

For more tips and ideas go to the “Heathy Brain Care Competency” in the Training Library at CSAPerspective.com.

Please note that all previous “Take Time … to Rethink Stress” emails are in the Perspective website under the Forum Tab.

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