Do you find it difficult to make decisions? Do you feel generally unbalanced and sometimes downright irritated? When you stop and think about it, are you aware of an underlying feeling of anxiety or worry that permeates every aspect of your life?
If you're nodding your head to all or most of these questions, chances are you're suffering from chronic stress.
Although the word stress is often heard, the far-reaching long-term damage is little appreciated. If you allow this to continue, you create invisible barriers in your life and limit your ability to simply enjoy life and your ability to express emotions and appreciate opportunities. If feeling stressed becomes the norm rather than the exception, you are putting yourself at risk of serious health damage and limiting your future happiness.
Think about it – imagine how different your life would be if you just kept making decisions and once you made those decisions they wouldn't haunt you. Imagine how much more energy you would have to enjoy the activities you are now putting off because you "don't feel like it" or "just have to do some extra work."
Don't worry if you feel like all of the above is relevant - you're not alone. Stress and anxiety are common in competitive environments and in most workplaces. Unfortunately, in this day and age, we believe that you have to be seen to succeed at anything, and that you have to be able to buy all the latest products and gadgets to add short-term joy to your life.
With this kind of daily pressure to deal with, it's no coincidence that conditions like IBS, chronic back pain, depression, psoriasis and migraines are on the rise in our fast-paced, consumer-driven society. It is understandable that when we fall and pray to these conditions, we seek the advice of our doctor who always prescribes a medication regimen. This will trap you in drug addiction syndrome and feelings of failure because you cannot cope with life as it seems to others.
What can you do to avoid the stress trap?
The simple answer is to learn the art of living consciously and being conscious in the right way. Instead of running through thoughts that point out your faults and what everyone else thinks, ask yourself some helpful questions.
You can start by asking yourself, 'How am I contributing to my feelings of stress?' This could lead you to examine exactly what you are saying in your head and notice if it is valuable or helpful.
Then maybe check if you are straining your body somewhere. You may suddenly realize that every time you talk to a certain person, you unconsciously tense your neck and shoulders.
Now check if you usually imagine things going wrong or rehearse the arguments to have or how to defend yourself.
Changing your mindset in this way may seem subtle, but it has far-reaching effects. First, it gives you back control and forces you to focus on the here and now instead of racing off to your own imaginary land of disaster.
Other key steps on the road to healing and improving your life are:
Be aware of your current feelings – being aware is the first step to healing.
Get Help – Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards growth. Talking to a therapist, friends, or family about your fears and frustrations eases emotional tension and brings a sense of relief—you're not alone.
Learn to relax - so often we feel that lying motionless in front of the TV in the evening is relaxation. isn't your mind and body need the benefits of regular relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, quiet moments of mental space, regular exercise. The resulting energy and clear thinking you experience will convince you of its worth.
Doing any or all of these exercises will help you regain control and start creating the life you were meant to have. Why wait any longer?
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