3 TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS

The word 'stress' originates from the French word 'estrece' meaning 'narrowness' and depicts a limiting or constriction of your power and abilities. You have the feeling of being stressed out when you think you have too much to handle either on a mental, emotional or physical level.

Stress also occurs when you view change and pressure as burdens rather than as challenges. Anything viewed negatively has the potential of causing stress in your life regardless of what the thing may be.

Stress is a reality in today’s society, and it’s imperative we learn effective methods of managing stress, if we are to enjoy happiness and fulfilment in our life.

It’s important to realize that stress is created not by the event or circumstance itself but by the way we respond to what happens to us. We are the creators of stress and it logically follows that we alone can provide the solution to managing stress.

Before stress is felt within the body it is created by a certain mindset within. If we are able to alter our way of thinking, we will be able to change the way we feel about anything.

Simply put, stress is the result of the way you think. And if you develop the ability to change the way you think, you will have in your hands the power to manage stress regardless of what the causes may be.

Here are 3 simple and effective ways to manage stress and bring back happiness, joy and peace of mind back into your life.

1. Count your blessings - If we constantly repeat the story of what we lack, we can't become stress free. Instead, begin every day by consciously remembering your blessings and realizing that you are in a better position than the majority of our world.

Stay focused on what’s good in your life, not the empty-ness. This one practice will allow you to control stress as it build up during the day.

Meditation is also a great tool for effective stress management. So find a good teacher and learn the skills of meditation and mindfulness, and you will be empowered to master stress as it arises in your life.

2. Stay optimistic - You always have two choices in every situation – either curse the darkness, or light a candle. Choose the more positive attitude, always, regardless of the situation. Positive thinking releases stress and negative thinking increases it.

Remember that stress arises out of the way you think. And if you keep your face to the sunshine, you cannot see the shadows.

3. Do one thing at a time - Don’t be too concerned about how much there is to do, or how impossible the tasks seem. Just get one thing done at a time, again and again. Just do what’s in your power, and brush aside all other concerns.

As the wise say - the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So just do what you can do today, and do it happily. Then let go of the rest. It’s easy to manage stress when you can pay attention to the task at hand, and do one thing at a time.

Trying to control every moment and outcome of your life will always cause more stress for you. Instead, release a bit of control; let go, and become stress-free.

SoulCentre is Asia’s Premier Centre for Meditation, Mindfulness & Stress-Management.

For details of our training programs, connect to www.soulcentre.org