When we think of mental and emotional stress we often think of all the things that cause it, like jobs, school, kids, relationships, etc. What if we told you that your mental and emotional stress are based on your perception of events in your life rather than the events themselves? The truth is we see this happen all the time: The project at work that you see as an opportunity for your coworker causes him or her great stress. One child has a test they and they panic while the other child doesn’t give taking a test a second thought. The stress we experience is either mitigated or exacerbated by our perceptions, and if we change our perceptions, the stress we experience will change as well. Mooresville, Active Spine Chiropractic cares not only about your physical health but your mental health as well. Below we shave shared the 3 main steps to mental and emotional health.
Step 1: Ask Yourself Why
The first step to reducing stress is to ask yourself:
- “Why am I stressed?
- Is there another way you can view this situation that will put it in a more positive, healthful light?
- What’s a different way to look at this?
- How is this an opportunity?
- What can I learn from this that will help me in the future?
- What’s funny about this? (Humor is great why to diffuse or eliminate stress)
- Will this even matter ten years from now?
Step 2: Find a Support System
If you find that the answers to the questions in step one does not give you peace and keep you from feeling the stress you felt before then go to step 2. Another great way to reduce mental and emotional stress is to talk about the situation with a friend, preferably one who can provide a different perspective. Don’t go to the friend you know will “see it your way” We all know people who are great at making us feel better by listening, but sometimes we need more. Look for people who will not only listen to what you have to say, but provide an alternative to the views you have about the situation as well as solutions.
Step 3: Remove Yourself
When all else fails the best thing to do is take a step back from it all. “Stop the World,” this means to take time for yourself. This could be a lunch where you go out instead of eating at work, or a weekly exercise class, or even a nice massage. The great thing about the mind is with practice you can remove yourself from a situation without even leaving the room. The key to relaxing your mind can be as simple as changing what your focusing on. Relaxation and meditation are simply a matter of focused awareness: focusing on something that produces feelings of calm, peace, and tranquility rather than worry. Example: Have you ever been in pain or worried about something and you see something beautiful or a person you haven’t seen in a long time? For a moment your worries or pains are gone. All you really did was change your focus and it’s not until you focus back on your stressor that your anxiety returns.
This week we are going to share techniques that will help you focus your attention to eliminate stress and encourage relaxation. There are dozens of techniques, however we will only share 6. All of them are very easy and pleasurable; you just have to set aside a few moments to do them. Remember, the key to success in changing your life is to take baby steps, and acknowledge your success along the way.
Nothing says less stress like a great massage! To learn more about our Massage Therapy and great Massage Therapists visit us at https://activespinenc.com/massage-therapy/
Dr Spencer Charlet
Chiropractor in Mooresville
704-663-7625
