The body, mind, and spirit interact with one another, and are dependent upon one another. Vibrant health arises when the body, mind, and spirit are functioning at optimal capacity. The choices that we make in life; the outlook that we have about our lives and about the people, circumstances, and things within our lives; as well as the lifestyle that we live, often prevent us from realizing true health. Everyone faces potentially stressful situations in life. But it is how we choose to respond to these stressors that is both a reflection of as well as a determinant of our health.
How do you handle stress? Do you know a person that is perpetually unhappy, anxious, or angry? Perhaps that person is you? Such a person will often feel unable to control such feelings, and feel continually unsatisfied as a result. How do we break this vicious cycle? Diet, lifestyle, and mindset are three aspects of life that can most effect our ability to release negativity.
As a healthcare provider, I have come to realize that changing the diet is often the most effective first step in promoting peace and well-being within the body. Frequently eating processed and fast food, fried foods, soda, cake, white flour, white rice, sugar and excess amounts of animal products cause undesirable responses within the body causing insulin resistance, excess weight gain and unhealthy food cravings, constipation, lowered immunity, high blood pressure, and accelerate aging processes. This in turn increases risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Taking small steps to reduce animal product, sugar, and processed food intake and to increase intake of fruits and vegetables go a long way to reducing stress responses within the body, increasing immunity, and improving overall wellness. You may find the following tips helpful:
- Herbs. Kava Kava, valerian, skullcap, chamomile, and passionflower are wonderful herbs historically used to promote calmness, relaxation, and overall wellness.
- Raw foods cleanse. Taking a day (or 2 or 7) to give the organs and glands a break by eating only raw, organic (if possible) fruits, vegetables, salads, smoothies, soups, and nuts can make you feel completely renewed. There are many raw food recipes easily found online.
The next step in handling stress is cultivating an empowering mindstate, which enables you to more effectively manage challenging life situations. The body physically reacts when the mind perceives stress, causing the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, making certain blood vessels constrict. Your muscles tense, your breath becomes short and quick. By being more aware of this typical body response, you can immediately take steps to counteract this. Try some of the exercises below:
- Deep breathing. Inhale for 8 counts through the nose (fully expanding the belly and lungs), exhale for 8 counts out of the mouth (contracting the belly and pushing as much air out of the lungs as possible)
- Progressive relaxation. Lay down (or choose a relaxed seated position if laying down is not possible) Beginning with the toes and working all the way to the top of the head, focus on relaxing and completely releasing all stress within that body part (i.e. toes, then feet, then calves, then thighs, and so on)
- Mediation. This does not have to be a prolonged Yoda-like experience. Simply sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, and focusing on deep breathing for a few minutes will do wonders for your mental state.
- Yoga. By now, most of us are familiar with yoga’s benefits to the body and mind. But even a simple morning stretch or a quick stretch-break at work can help you create a clear and refreshed mind that is prepared to address the challenges of the day.
The final step in releasing negativity is living a lifestyle that reflects your highest ideals to the fullest extent possible. We often create stress on our lives when our behavior, environment and overall lifestyle do not reflect the person we wish to be. Are you frequently associating with people filled with negativity, or people who do not inspire you or contribute to you being your Highest Self? Are you in a business or profession that allows you to realize your goals and express your skills and talents? Do you feel as if you are being the person you wish to be TODAY? If not, try the following:
- Each evening, plan and write down simple tasks you can complete the next day to realize your goals. For example: Go on a 15 minute run before work, write a mission statement, write a chapter in my book, apply for a new job online, send a thank you email following my interview
- Be the person you wish to become TODAY! Want to become a professional piano player? Start taking lessons, visit music stores, join a meet up group for pianists. Want to become a calmer person? Pretend you are the most peaceful person who ever lived for the next 24 hours. Practice deep breathing exercises. Frequently visit calm, peaceful places such as parks, libraries, meditation groups, etc. Perform tasks that are calming for you (reading, writing, walking, etc.)
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi states, “Just think of any negativity that comes at you as a raindrop falling into the ocean of your bliss.” It is up to us to recognize our bliss at each moment, and use our bodies, minds, and spirits as tools in this quest. Embracing our bliss requires us to release our negativity.
Kalyca DuBose is co-creator of The DuBose Self Empowerment Course.
#negativity #empowerment #blog #theduboseempowermentcourse #greatday #stress
