Encouragement,  Life-Coaching Tips

4 ‘Go-To’ Stress Relievers

If you’re like me, you will often be faced with various stressors through out the week. That’s life. Right? As long as we’re alive and living on this side of Heaven, we will be faced with stressful moments. But, the thing is, we don’t have to let it control us. We have options. And I want to share a few ways that help me when I’m dealing with stress.

Recognize and Re-adjust: It’s not easy when we are in that moment of stress to recognize what is happening to us and within is. What helps me, is to be mindful and take notice of my body language. My thought process. The words I’m saying. And my feelings and emotions. Believe me, it’s my first sign of stress.

I tense up. My thoughts begin to control my actions and like a runaway train, nine times out of ten, I will either become tearful, angry or quiet. Emotions are good but not when they are out of control. So…in those regretful moments, a train wreck usually occurs.

I find it helpful to take notice of the warning signs to avoid that ugly, painful train wreck. What does my body look and feel like? What kind of thoughts are running through my head? Am I emotional? Do I like or dislike what I see and feel?

Once I answer these questions, I can usually calm myself down and have a more reasonable reaction.

Set Boundaries: Many times, when I’m stressed, I find it very helpful to turn off the noise. If you’ve ever gone through any type of depression, the noise level becomes so much louder. Even the slightest background noise can be excruciating. I’ve learned to turn it OFF.

📴TV-off
📴Phone-silenced…
📴Social Media-off…
📴Negativity from news, family, friends and neighbors-off.

It’s not the easiest thing to do but the most necessary, if you want to become less stressed. Placing healthy boundaries with the people, places and things that cause distraction or causing negativity is okay.

PRAY: Prayer may seem so out of reach when we’re stressed but for me, it’s a life changer. I can go from saying those silent breath prayers to the tear-filled, on my knees prayers and everything in-between…when I’m stressed. It’s such a release to know that God is only a prayer away anytime, anywhere in any place. He hears. He understands. He knows what I need.

BREATHE: Isn’t it funny how we sometimes need reminded to breathe? But, we do. Life can happen so quickly with all the ‘stuff’ that we can get distracted and overwhelmed and before we know it, we are consumed with more than we can handle. Our stress level is sky high, our bodies begin to feel the pain and we want to throw our hands up and say, I’m done! Before this happens, take a moment to do the 4-7-8 breathing technique.

😮‍💨 The 4-7-8 breathing technique, also known as “relaxing breath,” involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.

I have found that when I do this, my anxiety level drops…I am more aware of my purpose…I can focus and my perspective changes…I feel more in control rather than the
circumstances controlling me and I have more clarity of what my next steps will be.

There are many ways to relieve or prevent stress. Some of my other go-to’s are: walking, listening to music, dancing, journaling, reading, taking a drive, watching a good movie, playing with my dog, calling or texting a friend or just sitting on my porch listening to nature.

I hope these few ideas help the next time you find yourself feeling the stress. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

What are some of your favorite stress relievers?

Copyright©HerJourneyTowardsChange2022

Hey Friend, Welcome to a part of my small world. Because this is called the "About Me" Page, I probably should say a few things about me. Right? Here goes.... I was a Certified Child Development Specialist for over twenty years, while working with infants, toddlers, Pre-K and Head Start..... I am now a Certified (Christian) Breakthrough Life Coach through Life Breakthrough Academy. I could say so much more between the dot, dot, dots...but I'll spare you the boredom. LOL I am the founder of -Her Journey Towards Change- for women who are (for whatever reason) on their journey towards change. I believe everyone needs that 'go to' person in facilitating change. But, sadly, not everyone does. I know what it's like trying to figure life out but can't seem to get past the 'stuck' mindset. The first step to becoming 'unstuck' is being truthful with yourself. Believe me...I know. This is why I started 'Her Journey Towards Change.' I have a passion and purpose for serving God and for serving women. My hope is to provide you with a valuable service in finding clarity in your struggles, accountability in reaching your goals, assisting with strategies through guidance and support, focus on your God-given talents and unique skills, offer positive insights and new perspectives and eliminate the negativity that might be pulling you down. I truly believe God has given women a uniqueness like nothing else in this world. I also believe when we, as women, understand our identity in Christ, we can know our purpose. And in spite of our challenges, we can live in faith with the hope and joy God desires for us. ~Born and raised as a coal miner's daughter in North Central West Virginia is what keeps me humble. My influence as a Christian, wife, mother and grandmother gives me purpose. Living my life to the fullest and making each day count is what keeps me fulfilled. Using my God-given talents for others simply makes me happy...and living for God is what makes me whole.~

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