A Recipe on How to Live Your Life Fully

Sometimes we experience life as a roller coaster ride.  The uphill slog can be unbearable.  Then we experience the thrill of racing full speed ahead.  There are always unexpected twists and turns long the way.  The downward drops leave us with our hearts in our throats.  We can’t always be in control of the ride but we can take care of ourselves on the journey.

Tip 1: Get your beauty sleep

It is important to get enough sleep every night as this will impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing.  A lack of sleep can make you feel depressed and negative, your ability to handle stress is reduced, you become less productive and you don’t function at your best.

Tip 2: Make healthy eating choices

Often people aren’t aware of the impact that poor eating patterns can have on your stress levels.  Without proper nutrition our bodies become vulnerable as our immune systems find it more and more difficult to fight off disease and our ability to cope decreases.  Take time to buy healthy meals and make the right choices.

Tip 3: Keep your heart rate up

Exercise is a great way to release stress and keep your body healthy.  Endorphins, the feel good hormones, are released during exercise which increases your overall feeling of wellbeing.  Start off slowly by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or take your dog for a walk and then build up to a session in the gym.

Tip 4: Lean on a friend

Having friends and family around can help you feel healthier and happier.  This acts as a buffer against stress.  Your support network can lift you up when you’re feeling down, give you insight into problems you never thought of, and help you have fun when you need it most.  It is important to avoid people who instantly drain your energy and make you feel depressed about life.

Tip 5: Get creative

Find a distraction from stress by finding hobbies that you enjoy.  By finding something that you get complete pleasure from will take your mind off the stress of the day, you will be fully present in the moment.

Tip 6: Fit in the ME time

Just as we pamper our loved ones we also need to take the time to pamper ourselves.  Have a facial, a manicure, a full body massage, whatever your heart desires – this can work wonders for your internal state.  Do this regularly and notice the difference.

Tip 7: Spring clean your attitude

Depending on your viewpoint, they way we experience life can make us feel more stressed.  The more positive and optimistic you become so your circumstances will change and reduce your level of stress.  Start today by always looking at the glass half full instead of half empty.

Tip 8: Keep stimulating your mind

Keep your mind sharp by changing “problems” into “challenges” because “problems” create stress.  Look at how you can creatively resolve the experiences you are presented with.  This in itself is a challenge to change your mindset that has been embedded for years.  Your mind will be kept very alert as you make an effort not to resort to your old ways.

Tip 9: Let your emotions flow

The more you pent up emotions and frustrations now the bigger and messier the explosion later.  When you are feeling out of sorts listen to those emotions, understand why they are there and where they come from.  I have found that one of the best ways to deal with emotions is to write them in your journal.  You can be as angry as you like without upsetting anyone and you may even get the answers to your “challenges”.

Tip 10: Start your spiritual practice

A great way to start is by meditating.  It is always available and amazingly effective in short-term stress reduction and long-term health.  You don’t need an experienced teacher to show you how; find a quite place to sit in a relaxed position and clear your mind just by starting with a few minutes every day.   This is a deeply personal practice which will nurture your soul.

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Tags: reducing stress, stress relief