Break the "Cycle of Stress"

[janbear]

Break the "Cycle of Stress"
by Bryan Brewer, Self-Guided.com Producer
Have you ever tried to relax, only to find that your mind quickly wanders back to worries about money, relationships, or world events? Perhaps it seems that the more you try to relax, the more tense you get. Well, you're not alone. This is the common "cycle of stress." The good news is that there are some simple ways you can break this cycle.

Often, it's simply a matter of remembering ... remembering to breathe ... to be in your body ... to be mindful of what's really happening ... and to remember to smile.

Here are four quick pointers that may help you break the cycle of stress, especially when you find yourself right in the middle of it!


Breathe
As Joel Levey reminds us many times in his writings and recordings:
"Remember ... rely on your breath as your constant companion -- a friend who is always there to remind you -- to wake up, to pay attention, and to focus the power of your mind into effective action in the present moment."

It's a simple yet powerful tool for self-awareness and relaxation.


Be in Your Body
In the midst of stressful situations, remember to let your body help you release tension. There are numerous ways:
stand up
touch your toes
stretch your legs
roll your shoulders
rub your feet
force a yawn
take a walk
shake your arms loosely
scratch your scalp
exaggerte a sigh
rotate your neck
massage your jaw
The list is endless ... and all of these can help you break out of the cycle of stress.


Track 17 on Joel Levey's Self-Guided Relaxation CD (entitled Tense and Relax) is a great "in your body" technique that helps you learn to distinguish between levels of tension and relaxation. It also helps relieve muscle pain and tension headaches.
Be Mindful
This is just a matter of paying attention to what is really happening. In their book Simple Meditation & Relaxation, Joel and Michelle Levey offer the "Wheel of Mindfulness" to help you stop what you're doing and pay attention.
The "Wheel of Mindfulness" invites you to ask these questions of yourself in the moment:

What am I noticing?
What am I feeling?
What are my thoughts?
What do I need or want right now?
What action is called for, or what am I willing to do?
"By knowing what you are perceiving, thinking, feeling, wanting, and intending in any given moment, you will be more likely to recognize options, make wiser decisions, and to honestly and accurately communicate your experience to others."

In other words, your will be more likely to break the cycle of stress.


Remember to Smile
It's important to keep a sense of genuine curiosity and natural inquisitiveness about yourself and your personal journey to well-being. A little cosmic giggle now and then is a healthy part of maintaining balance in your life.
And it actually takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown ;-)

-- Bryan Brewer