There's stress relief and then there are powerful ways to relieve stress. If you're sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, discover a few colorful ways to be kind to yourself, increase creativity, and feel good.
1. Put the Hammer Down
How much for your stress comes from beating yourself up? Many of us carry an imaginary hammer to clunk ourselves over the head. Imagine having someone kick you every time you made a mistake. That would be painful and you'd ask them to stop. Now, I'm asking you to stop. Allow yourself to explore your humanity. You will make mistakes. It is o.k. So gently put the hammer down. No clunking or kicking... please.
2. Live In this Moment
Where is your mind wandering? Are your thoughts in the past, present, or future? One of the ways you can relieve stress is to live in this moment. Right here. Don't dwell on yesterday or stress about tomorrow. This moment and only this one... is promised to you. Hug your children as through it's the last hug. Stare at the blue sky as if it's the last time you'll see it. When you do, everything around you feels even more precious.
3. Take a Nap
It sounds silly, but few people do. It's a part of my life, every Sunday at 2. You may think, "Napping ruins productivity." Quite the opposite, napping boosts energy and increases creativity. If you've ever had a problem you couldn't solve, take a nap. It's the fastest way to go from stuck to "on a roll!"
4. Get Out
If you're spending 6, 8, or 10 hours a day at your desk, it's time to get out. Go for a stroll, take a walk, or sit on a bench. Leave your desk at lunch. Give yourself a change of scenery. When you leave your work setting for just a few moments, you can relieve stress and gain a fresh perspective. Here's to celebrating the outdoors!
5. Start Laughing
Everyone loves funny but few of us laugh... often. Give yourself the gift of story. Find a friend, share a story, and watch the laughter appear. No stories to share? See an old movie or grab a new one, just make sure it's funny. From me to you, see Baby Boom with Diane Keaton, it's a classic.
6. Explore Some Virtual Travel
Take a trip to your local book store, buy a cup of coffee, and flip through a few travel magazines. Where would you like to visit? What sites would you like to see? Imagine yourself there. You're sharing the foods, exploring the culture, and connecting with a few new friends. Best of all, there's no need to pack or check baggage at the airport. And it's all for the price of a cup of coffee.
7. Get Your Hands Dirty
Whether you play in the dirt in your garden, or play with paints in your garage, your heart smiles when you get your hands dirty. The heart and hands have a powerful connection. Your hands stimulate your mind and make your heart and soul feel... alive.
With a little imaginative thinking you can relieve stress, increase creativity, and feel good. Here's to a few simple, yet powerful ways to encourage you to be kind to yourself.
Copyright 2011. Asia Sharif-Clark. All rights reserved.
I'm Asia Sharif-Clark. In 90 days, I take women from overworked and overwhelmed to relaxed and energized. And, that's just the beginning. Enjoy a free gift: "26 Love Lessons for your Heart & Soul" http://www.centeredselfworldwide.com/
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