How to Shake Off Stress

With the holidays and year-end right around the corner, you might be feeling a wee bit stressed. If so, I have a few tips, musings, and a fun video for you. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and read on.

Putting the “No!” In November

If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, you may want to put the “No!” in November. That means saying no to things, in order to preserve your energy and your sanity.

If you're like me, you're receiving loads of Facebook invites to holiday parties, events, and networking functions. Take note of how this is making you feel. If you're feeling stretched or stressed, you may need to pass on some activities.

Lessons from a drum pedal

I was trying to film a video on my phone the other day to send to a friend. I do something known as “prophetic drumming,” which is like a drum prayer. I sit at my drum kit (aka drum set), think of the person and what they need (clarity, healing, deliverance, etc.), and beats come out. They're usually very Native American sounding. Some call this “spiritual warfare.” All I know is when I send these, people tell me it really helps.

As I played back the recording, I kept hearing a squeak. I then realized it wasn't coming from my phone but the drum pedal. I tried to apply some oil to the pedal but it didn't help. I then asked my husband to come take a look at the pedal to see what he thought. He's my personal roadie and drum tech, by the way, so he's really good at this.

He looked at the pedal and pushed his hand down on it a few times. “Hmmm”, he said. “The beater (The thing that hits the bass drum.) looks like it's pulled back way too far. Is it always like this?”

I hadn't noticed it but yes, it was back way too far. This was causing the chain to work too hard (not to mention my leg!) and it was causing the squeak.

So...think about this. If you're stretched way too far, your body is going to feel it. You may not hear a squeak but you'll surely feel stressed out and overwhelmed.

Shake it off!

Here's a fun exercise you can do to shake off stress. It doesn't involve drumming but a homemade shaker. It may seem silly but it's really fun and it helps reduce stress and keep things in perspective. Click the video above and give it a try!

Dori Staehle lives in the Raleigh, NC area and is a certified drum therapist, Toca Percussion artist, Christian author and speaker, and owner of Next Stage Drumming . Dori offers interactive wellness programs that rock. She specializes in Christian entrepreneurs but also works with seniors and special needs. Virtual and in-person programs are available. Click here to schedule a call to find out more!