Taxes are paid, just in time for April 16th's National Stress Awareness Day; smack dab in the middle of National Stress Awareness Month! Huffingtonpost.com has compiled several of their articles on stress for your reading pleasure. Topics such as "Prioritizing Wellness: Making Yourself a Priority" and "This is What Stress Physically Feels Like." Click here and you'll find these and several others.
I hope you'll take some time to make yourself a priority today. My gift to you this National Stress Awareness Day is to make you aware of an app called MindShift . How about settling in to your favorite quiet cozy spot as you take some slow belly breaths; scanning and releasing tension in your body. Then click on one of the apps' Chill Out Tools and allow yourself to let go of any stress you've been holding on to. We can't rid ourselves of all our stressors , but we can learn to manage our stress response . Keep reading for a tool that may be helpful in diverting a stress response.
I hope you'll take some time to make yourself a priority today. My gift to you this National Stress Awareness Day is to make you aware of an app called MindShift . How about settling in to your favorite quiet cozy spot as you take some slow belly breaths; scanning and releasing tension in your body. Then click on one of the apps' Chill Out Tools and allow yourself to let go of any stress you've been holding on to. We can't rid ourselves of all our stressors , but we can learn to manage our stress response . Keep reading for a tool that may be helpful in diverting a stress response.
Halt(s): A Tool for Self-Care
The acronym, Halt, has been used by many, especially those in 12-step recovery programs. We could all use a bit of self-care and "recovery" from everyday life challenges.
Hungry? Eat! The mind and body need fuel to function at an optimal level. Maintaining a stable blood sugar is crucial. That means eating every 3-4 hours, adding some protein and minimizing quick acting sugars. A handful of almonds or a spoonful of nut butter might just do the trick if you're not allergic. And by the way, how about trading out one cup of coffee or soda for a fresh glass of water with a lemon, lime or orange slice?
Angry? Identify and express emotions in a healthy manner. Take a personal time out! Walk outside. Exercise. Change your self-talk. Use positive affirmations. Or practice sitting with uncomfortable emotions, knowing that this is part of the human condition. Dissonance can often stir you to move forward; to initiate the next needed step. Might you even express gratitude for this opportunity to grow, painful as it might seem?
Lonely? Reach out. Consult a trusted friend, family member or health professional. Talk to your pet! Join a group and participate in something you love doing, or something you've always wanted to try.
Tired? Take a nap! A 20-minute midday break can replenish body, mind and spirit. Allow yourself an earlier bedtime. Is there an early morning commitment that could be skipped just this once so that you could spend an extra 30 minutes sleeping in?
Stressed? I was first introduced to the plural form of the acronym, HALT(S), with "S" representing STRESSED. Once again, I'll share this link to my quick B-R-E-A-TH-E technique to interrupt your fight/flight response.
Stewart Borie, strategic adviser, entrepreneur consultant and coach, has written a great article outlining the use of "HALT" in successful decision making. Click here to read Borie's blog post with his full article and more suggestions.
Hungry? Eat! The mind and body need fuel to function at an optimal level. Maintaining a stable blood sugar is crucial. That means eating every 3-4 hours, adding some protein and minimizing quick acting sugars. A handful of almonds or a spoonful of nut butter might just do the trick if you're not allergic. And by the way, how about trading out one cup of coffee or soda for a fresh glass of water with a lemon, lime or orange slice?
Angry? Identify and express emotions in a healthy manner. Take a personal time out! Walk outside. Exercise. Change your self-talk. Use positive affirmations. Or practice sitting with uncomfortable emotions, knowing that this is part of the human condition. Dissonance can often stir you to move forward; to initiate the next needed step. Might you even express gratitude for this opportunity to grow, painful as it might seem?
Lonely? Reach out. Consult a trusted friend, family member or health professional. Talk to your pet! Join a group and participate in something you love doing, or something you've always wanted to try.
Tired? Take a nap! A 20-minute midday break can replenish body, mind and spirit. Allow yourself an earlier bedtime. Is there an early morning commitment that could be skipped just this once so that you could spend an extra 30 minutes sleeping in?
Stressed? I was first introduced to the plural form of the acronym, HALT(S), with "S" representing STRESSED. Once again, I'll share this link to my quick B-R-E-A-TH-E technique to interrupt your fight/flight response.
Stewart Borie, strategic adviser, entrepreneur consultant and coach, has written a great article outlining the use of "HALT" in successful decision making. Click here to read Borie's blog post with his full article and more suggestions.
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