Achieving Life Balance – Adopt A Stress Reduction Mindset

Could we speak less about stress and more about balance? Why do we almost eagerly embrace the concept of stress? Many people confide in me and just about everyone is stressed out.

Of course there are a million reasons for it. Globally, you can blame the economy, misuse of the environment, the government, etc. You can say it results from the fast-paced, over-full technologically-oriented lives we lead. Personally, you can attribute it to your spouse, your boss, your schedule and so on.

So it comes down to: we are a world that is embracing stress. And if you are one of those Law of Attraction thinkers, then you might figure out that the more you focus on stress, the more stress you will feel and attract into your day-to-day reality. Some people get so extremely caught up in the negativity of stress that their lives are affected in an unhealthy way. For there is much medical and scientific proof that stress (especially prolonged) causes physical and health issues. And who would knowingly want their life to disintegrate into these kind problems?

So what do you do to lift yourself up from that mode of chaos, overwhelm and tension? Of course you may be thinking: exercise, meditation, massage, whirlpool baths, holistic relaxation (Reiki, tai chi, et al.), just going out and having fun. All these are terrific stress-busters so use them to help you. But what about your mindset, the way you perceive stress? Can you de-stress by just changing your attitude? I believe it is certainly possible — that one can reduce the level of stress in your life by shifting the way you think.

Here are some ideas of coping in terms of your mindset and the way you perceive stress:

1. Choose your state of mind. Do the inner work of engaging a more joyful frame of mind. Decide that you want to think more positively. Believe it or not, that is a major step, just setting this as a goal.
2. Take responsibility. Really take responsibility for creating your reality. If you can’t do this on a grand scale, then at least do it in a partial way.
3. Curb your reactions to external events. Begin to gain a sense of control of your reactions to potential and perceived stressors in your own environment. You can’t control everything that happens, but you CAN control the way you personally react to it. Do not be overwhelmed by the small stuff — try to either address or dismiss it quickly and effectively, knowing that you can move through it to a better-feeling moment. The large stuff will present more of a challenge, but you can learn to deal with obstacles.
4. Be a “Can-Do” individual. Or at least start PERCEIVING yourself as such. Begin thinking of yourself as someone who can accomplish, persevere, stay the course. Believe you CAN get it done. Adapt a mentality of confidence!
5. Shift focus, even temporarily. If you are stuck in some negative thinking or dramatic overwhelm, take a deep cleansing breath. Inhale through the nose, air down to the belly, with a slow focused exhale, releasing the tension from your body. Take several of these just to start a small shift toward calmness.
6. Cultivate an outlook of being present. Be truly and keenly aware of living in the now. Understand and practice mindfulness. Pay attention to where you are and do what you need to carve out a moment of peacefulness. Learn to tune out some of the “disharmony” that may be surrounding you.  Find something positive to appreciate in the moment (even if this is a challenge), and be grateful.

So take the the road less traveled — the one that is less stressful! Make balance and serenity your mantra and invite harmony into your life.

Affirmations for harmony and balance:

• I release all stress from my body and embrace a clear sense of harmony.
• I am capable, and I have the perseverance and strength to overcome challenges.
• My life is balanced and peaceful, and I carry that serene feeling with me wherever I go.