7 PRACTICES TO LEAD A STRESS-FREE LIFE-

Life is full of Surprises. It can make us happy and at the same time can make us anxious and in a constant state of worry.

Either we can throw sheets over our heads and let the worry destroy us or begin enjoying the life we meant to live, the choice is ours.

To this end, if the 'practices' discussed in this article are adopted in our daily routines, we can live life to the fullest or something close to it.

·        STOP WORRYING needlessly:

As the saying goes: “If you can solve a problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you can’t solve it, then what is the use of worrying?”

I wouldn't object to worrying if it can help improve our lives for the better. But, the fact is, usually worrying too much won't help us in any situation. While a certain amount of worry is normal but living in a constant state of apprehension is fruitless, even detrimental to our psyche.

Some people believe that worrying makes us more productive, more prepared, and shows that we care about situations and people. However that is a big misconception.

Worrying needlessly is taxing and can cause some serious mental disorders and conditions including extreme weight fluctuations, high blood pressure, and other ailments.

To overcome needless worrying, just a slight adjustment in our mindset is required.

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

– Mark Twain

·  FIND THE actual CAUSE OF STRESS:

We all live in a fragile world where each one of us faces tensions in every facet of life, whether it is our relationships, our work, or any other aspect.

Our hectic schedules and responsibilities keep on increasing as we grow old and it becomes very complicated to balance all these. Some of us could even get overwhelmed by this.

So it is important in such situations to know the ways that could alleviate stressful conditions. Simply reacting to the situation can be detrimental. Actual causes need to be identified and addressed.

• "Stop where you are, and think about what is that thing which is making you unhappy and creating tension." .Next step is to accept it and find a solution for it.  

·  SELF-ACCEPTANCE:

As the saying goes: "No amount of Self-Improvement can make up for the lack of Self-Acceptance".

Acceptance can be a very powerful thing. Accept your failure, your weakness, and your flaws.

If you find yourself in a bad situation, if some of your decisions have landed you in trouble, own it and look for a solution instead of complaining about it.

When we accept ourselves, it has a positive impact on your consciousness. It makes you mentally stronger to face any kind of situation. So owning the consequences of your actions and self-acceptance is the key.

"Accept everything about yourself. I mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies no regrets."

– Henry A Kissinger

·  LETTING GO

One of the essential things one must learn in life is to find the courage to let go of 'what one cannot change' whether its remorse, resentment, love, loss, betrayal, etc.

Change is never easy. We fight to hold on. We fight not to let go. However, sometimes we have to cut our losses short and accept 'what is beyond our control'.

If you are stuck in the situation which is not in your control, let it go. Train these three magical words to your brain “Let It Go”.

It can ultimately make your life happier, more peaceful, and even more productive.

"Letting go is the willingness to change your beliefs to bring more peace and joy into your life instead of holding onto beliefs that bring pain and suffering."

– Hal Tipper

·  LIVE IN PRESENT

Make your Present beautiful. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. With our busy schedule we tend to neglect ourselves. Take out some time from your routine solely for yourself. Do what makes you happy.

Meditation has the power to energize your mind and soul. It can be as important as eating and sleeping .Spend time with your loved ones, you never know what the future holds.

"Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering"

– Ida Scott Taylor

You must be thinking from where I will get time for all these, the answer is ORGANIZE.

.ORGANIZE

Time is the most vital resource one has. So it has to be organized and managed stringently.

The easiest way to make most of your day is to wake up early in the morning. For some of us it could be a challenge to put into the habit but take baby steps, start from getting up 15 min before your usual wake up timing. In those extra minutes you can plan and organize your schedule for the day.

It makes everything easy for you; your mind will not get haywire during the entire day. You will be focused and will know your next step.

Similarly, keeping other aspects of your life well organized will also give you a peace of mind.

"For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned"

– Benjamin Franklin

·  PRACTICE GRATITUDE:

Gratitude can resolve differences, reinforce our bonds, and in general makes us better human beings. So start your day with a grateful heart.

Be thankful for what you have, find reasons to be happy. It create wonders in your subconscious mind, it will secrete happy hormones and will automatically make you content and easy-going.

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never ever have enough"

– Oprah Winfrey

·  LIFE BALANCE:

As the saying goes: "You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life."

This balance in our life is very important, you should take a periodic break from your fixed routine.

Plan to spent time with your family & friends.Take a break and plan for the holidays. Ask questions from yourself: "Are you one of those who enjoy road trips or like to be on the beach?"

Take up hobbies.

Remember to break 'The Routine'!!!

This will refresh your mind and you will be recharged fully to go back to your same routine.

"Don't confuse having a career with having a life"

– Hillary Clinton