Talk Yourself Out of Stress
By Bruno Cortis
Seventy-five percent of all our problems - both emotional and physical problems -
come from the same source. If you could identify that source, would you want to eliminate
it?
For most people, the answer is obvious. Unfortunately, few people are able to identify
the core of their problems. And those who do typically don't know the steps to take
to alleviate their challenges.
So what is the course of most of our problems? It is stress. That's right; stress
is the source of 75 percent of all our problems and a major epidemic in people's lives.
Finding ways to control stress is vital, because if you don't control stress, it will
control you.
What Exactly Is Stress?
The concept of stress isn't new to anyone. But few people truly know what stress is.
Physical stress is the depletion of the body's resources by illness or exhaustion.
The most devastating stress, however, is psychological and emotional stress. There
are many sources of emotional stress: family problems, social obligations, life changes,
work, decision making, phobias, etc.
Emotional stress is powerful and debilitating because it takes away any sense of control
we have over our lives. And this feeling of control over our environment and our self
is one of our most basic human needs. If it isn't met, emotional or physical illness
can result. For example, a number of studies directly link stress and heart disease.
The only wan to combat stress and stay healthy is to create a complete physical, mental
and spiritual equilibrium within the body. Although we used to believe that the mind
and body are two separate entities, we now know that all facets of our being are interconnected.
Everything that happens to your body and your mind affects your health and stress
level in some way. Every thought you have, every feeling and emotion you experience
affects your longevity. That is why you must take a total body approach to eliminate
stress and balance your life.
Physical And Emotional Stress Relief
If you want to reduce your stress level and live a happier and healthier life, use
the physical and emotional stress relief techniques outlined below.
Physical Relief
. Say No
The pressure to perform in today's world is intense. As a result, people work long
hours and take on much more than they can bear. They juggle multiple roles throughout
the day and sacrifice sleep or personal time just so they can get everything done.
Saying "no" to a demand is out of the question, resulting in increased stress, both
at work and at home.
Unfortunately, for most people, saying "no" to another's request is a challenge. They
are anxious to please others, so they put their own needs aside. They fail to realize
that no one can be on call 24 hours a day, and that we all need some personal time
to rest and rejuvenate.
The next time someone demands more than you can give, remember that you have to take
care of yourself first. You simply can't handle everything. Say "no" gracefully while
respecting the other person and letting him or her know that you care. While you may
feel some initial guilt for denying the request that feeling will quickly pass and
your stress level diminishes.
. Listen to Your Body
Listening to your body helps you take control of your stress
because you become aware of the signals your body gives you regarding comfort and
discomfort. Once you're attuned to what your body is telling you, you can learn which
events trigger stress and which events reduce it. Your body talks to you everyday.
How often do you listen?
The most common warning of too much stress is a condition called angina. Angina consists
of chest pain or tightness in the neck, arms, jaw, and upper back that is the result
of a reduced blood supply to the heart. Other indicators of excessive emotional stress
are arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat.
In order to listen to your body, you must become responsible for your health and your
stress. Having trust in your doctors or in medical tests is now enough. The real solution
lies with you and with your own awareness and responsibility for your health. This
responsibility may involve doing some things that are difficult for you, such as changing
your diet, stopping smoking, learning to control emotions, etc. Whatever change is
necessary for you, your body will tell you. You need only to listen.
Physical Relief
. Communicate With Your Heart
Your heart has an important job, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body
each day. This merits the heart receiving your attention. To reduce emotional stress
your heart needs encouragement, appreciation, and love.
Start your heart talk, your communication with your heart, by placing your right hand
over the left side of your chest. Become aware of your heartbeat. Stay in that position
for a few moments. Soon you'll notice that the heating sensation becomes less forceful.
It is as if your heart knows that you're in touch with it. With your hand still over
your chest ask your heart to help you be peaceful. Ask your heart to create an emotional
shield that protects you from whatever the world around you may be fighting with.
Within your heart is an infinite intelligence that is sensitive to your needs. So
pose a question to your heart or discuss a problem that's causing you stress. Your
heart will reciprocate with the proper answer. By doing this, you are telling your
creative mind to quiet down so you can uncover new solutions to your problems. The
more you become aware of your heart and what it tells you to do, the less stress you
will experience. You will achieve a sense of peace and calmness knowing that you are
doing what is best for you.
. Clear Out the Past Clutter
Just as you do a spring cleaning of your house, you should also do a spring cleaning
of your heart to wipe away the old memories and messages that are causing you stress.
This is important, because the way we fell from moment to moment, the way we behave,
and the actions we take are all conditioned to how we feel inside.
Negative feelings that we harbor from our past - feelings of loneliness, feelings
of low self-worth, feelings of sadness, worry, and fear - cause a great deal of emotional
stress in our adult lives. It's similar to carrying a weight on your back. The weight
becomes heavier and heavier. You eventually have to walk bent over because the weight
is excessive, but you are still not willing to let it go. As you clear out the chatter,
you let go of the weight; you regain a sense of peace and are able to walk upright
again.
To discover the past chatter that's causing you stress, think back over your life
and identify the most painful experience you have had - the one you thought you needed
to hide from the world. What was that mistake or event? What message did the event
trigger in your mind? Acknowledge the event, forgive yourself for it, and then release
it and the accompanying stress from your heart.
Stress-Free Today
If you want to eliminate 75 percent of your physical and emotional problems, you must
first reduce the stress you feel in your life. By practicing the self-communication
strategies explained above, you can take the steps to talk yourself out of daily stress.
When you do, you'll gain a sense of balance and inner peace that enables you to accomplish
more, enjoy life, and live your dreams.
Bruno Cortis, M.D., is a cardiologist with a major interest in Spirituality and Health.
He authored two books, The Spiritual Heart and also Heart & Soul. He is a member
of NSA, Illinois Chapter and he delivers speeches and seminars across North America.
You can visit Dr. Cortis at http://www.BrunoCortis.com or
e-mail him at DrCortis@BrunoCortis.com.
His telephone number is 708-366-0117.
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