Ready for Challenge Sixteen?
We all go through times of stress. Acute (short term) stress may have some benefits however, chronic (long term) stress is something that we need to learn to manage. When our bodies are in a constant state of daily stress a whole host of problems can ensue. When we think about our health much of the time we focus only on diet and exercise but, we need to also be acknowledging our thought processes and the affect they have on us. A mind that is running wild with all sorts of thoughts is not going to benefit you or your long-term health goals.
This month’s challenge is all about managing stress with the power of perception. Sounds easy right? Just change your perception of an experience and then the stress goes away? Sort of… but, it is a little harder than that. Our perception of a situation is 100% in our control however, it is not always easy to control your mind and thoughts. It is something that takes practice and accountability.
When I first started learning about the mind body connection and its relationship to health I learned that the mind does not know the difference between imagination and reality. Say what? The mind is not able to decipher if a thought is just a thought or if it is truly happening in that moment. Therefore, when you are in a stressful situation your body has a physical response (pounding heart, stomach ache, sweaty palms). Biologically our bodies are designed to react in times of stress. This is what protected us back when we were running from wild animals. Even though we have evolved as a human species we are still living in the same bodies and when we are under stress our fight-or-flight response system kicks in. Like I said earlier when this happens occasionally it is not that big of a deal. However, when we are in fight-or-flight constantly that is when problems start.
When we perceive a situation to be a threat when it really is not or when we are constantly telling ourselves “stories” about whatever we are creating constant stress. These stories can easily become thought patterns and a habit. So, how do we break this habit and start letting go of our stress?
That is where this month’s challenge comes in. Begin to work towards the belief that every situation in life is neutral. The good and the bad and everything in between. Most of our stress comes from our thinking not the actual event or experience. Over the next month acknowledge your thoughts but instead of immediately attaching judgment, bias or even joy to them remind yourself that it is just something that happened. It is as simple as that. Do not get caught up in accessing things just work to allow it to pass. This month’s challenge is going to take practice but within just 4 weeks you should find a massive reduction in your daily unnecessary stress.
Ready, Set, Go…. Challenge Time
The first step is to set up your free account at Healthstorylines.com if you have not already.
Simply click here to register for your free account.
Challenge Sixteen Instructions:
1. Acknowledge your thoughts but instead of immediately attaching judgment, bias or even joy to them remind yourself that it is just something that happened. Believe that everything that happens in your life is neutral.
Let’s continue to inspire each other!
If you need any help using the Health Story Lines app check out this amazing video!
If you missed my earlier challenges you will find them here!
