A few months ago, I wrote about how slowing down and using your senses (being mindful) can help you lose weight (Using Your Senses to Lose Weight). This same process can also help you reduce stress.
Being mindful is living in the moment. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Yet most of us have no idea how to. We’re thinking about what will happen, what did happen, what could be happening somewhere else. We’re not enjoying the moment we’re in. And the more we stress, the less we are aware of the now.
When you find yourself in a stressful situation, you can bring yourself back to the moment by using an easy breathing technique. I’m sure at some point you’ve been told to take a deep breath to calm yourself down. That’s great advice, as long as you pay attention to the breath.
As you breathe in, focus on that and that alone. Feel your lungs expand. Hear the sound as you inhale. Say to yourself “I am breathing in”.
As you breathe out, once again focus. Feel your lungs empty. Hear the sound as you exhale. And say to yourself “I am breathing out”.
Repeat this a few times and you should feel your stress level decrease. You’ll be brought back to the moment and be better able to deal. And you will be less likely to embrace unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Note: CliftonPark.com is not responsible for posts and comments written by non-staff members.