5 Steps to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, or Confusion
These past few months have been challenging for many people, all stemming from one or more divisions created by economic, political, social, natural, or spiritual incongruences.
Incongruence exists between our heads and hearts, causing us to become stressed, anxious, frustrated, or confused because an Inner expectation conflicts with something in the Outer world.
The solution is aligning Inner desires with the Outer world, but this is easier said than done. Where does one start? Does one let go of the Inner desire and accept the Outer world, or vice versa?
Step One – Be reflective.
We live from now on in time, but we learn and grow by going in reverse. In order to live the live?you so deserve,?you must get the past, out of your present, to live your future.
Begin by reflecting on your journey, which could be the last year or your lifetime. First, do this in solitude, without the influence or opinions of others. You can get their views later. This is important because other people in your sphere of influence might be the source of your unwanted emotions. Try finding a quiet place; being alone in nature is best, but sitting out under the stars is fine.
Make this a daily ten-minute practice. Your happiness and health are worth ten minutes a day.?
Step Two – Start writing about the situation.
Start writing—by hand, not typing—what’s going on by journaling your emotions and the situations. Include the good, bad, and ugly. Don’t hold back. This is just for you, so don’t feel obligated to share it with anyone…at least not yet.
On day one, spend ten minutes and then move on to step three.
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Step Three – Define what makes you feel good.
What did you do last week or month that made you feel good, inspired, or energized? It could be reading, exercising, painting, walking in nature, swimming, writing, a home project, or serving others. Whatever it is, it stimulates endorphins, opens your heart, or challenges your brain.
This is called satisfaction, and it is long-term. The opposite of long-term satisfaction is short-term gratification, which temporarily fills an emptiness. Gratification examples include being a workaholic, making more money than you need, chasing sex, aimlessly watching television shows, going to bars, drinking alcohol, or buying things you don’t need and possibly cannot afford.??
On day two, spend ten minutes picking one of these inspirational activities and making a note on your calendar to do more. Then, move on to step four.
Step Four – Activate an essential quality.
Make a list of 10 essential qualities and identify one or two that you wish to focus on improving in the next 30 days. Here is a short list. Read the list and pick the two that your essence thirsts for more. In many cases, homing in on one will create a cascading effect that will activate others.?
On day three, spend five minutes picking one or at most two of these critical qualities.
Spend another five minutes writing them on a Post-It note or slip of paper and tape them to the back of your mobile phone. Then, put a reminder in your calendar to pop up a note every day.
You’ve spent 30 minutes in three days, and if you did this, you are starting to feel better.
Step Five – Now Be Expressive:
Recognize that these emotions are natural and that your deep needs are essential to your happiness and success! The best thing to do is talk about them. Don’t suppress the feelings; otherwise, you may cause physical harm. Instead, be expressive. Talk to family members, therapists, coaches, or BFFs.
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CEO & Co-Founder Carii, Inc & Connective - A member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals.
5 个月Very insightful and also practical with productive steps to take - worth a read!!!