All of us need time to power down, disconnect from the world and find a way back to the space within. It’s not always easy with all the demands on our time and body, especially when so many people want more and more from us.
There is only so much the mind, body and spirit can take operating at that level. Pockets of energy build up, old emotional patterns and ways of thinking clog our perceptions and suddenly we feel run down, maxed out and anxious, not to mention exhausted. We may even become ill as our body finally tells us it’s DONE.
So as you scurry to finish all of your “activities”, have you ever thought about how to release all your old, heavy, pent up energy? Some people shop excessively, eat constantly or distract themselves by butting into other people’s lives. Others just unleash on someone else, dumping all their “stuff” without a second thought. Do any of these sound like you?
Here’s an easy way to implement your own emotional release plan:
Find your Emotional Baseline
The most important first step is to tune in and really get a clear baseline of your personal boundaries physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It’s hard to know how to deal with managing stress in these areas if you have no baseline as to what is “too much” for you.
It’s also critical to get a sense of what a “yes” and “no” FEELS like in your own body. It takes practice and relaxation, but keep at it. Practice by asking yourself simple yes/no questions that you already know. With the help of a clear way to tune into feeling this information, you can learn to make better choices about your time and stress level as you go about your day.
One of the most important things to learn and accept is the idea that not everything needs to get done right now. Really feel into the sense of relief that wells up inside of you when you truly release the pressure of “should.” Then re-evaluate with your yes/no inquiry.
Implement Healthy Emotional Release Tactics
If you strip away all the unhealthy options for unloading, do you have positive methods in place to clear out your internal energy system? If not, create a simple plan that works for your lifestyle, and work it daily. Have as many or few items as you need.
Here are 10 simple ways to get started:
- Regular exercise (a little each day or longer periods every few days)
- Meditation
- Old fashioned screaming and crying, in private
- Consult with an alternative healing professional for a treatment (Reiki, acupuncture, EFT, acupressure, massage, rolfing, etc.)
- Take deep breaths as frequently as necessary
- Go for a walk
- Spend time in nature and/or with animals
- Journal daily or at least weekly
- Take a time out frequently throughout your day, and walk away from your desk or work situation
- Get off the computer, your phone and other electronic devices for at least 15 minutes each day before you go to sleep
Once you have a sense of your personal boundaries, then you can add things into your daily, weekly and monthly routine that help manage the stress of everyday life. The important thing is to not only experiment, but DO IT. A little bit every day helps, rather than letting things build up until you blow.
Activities that are free and easy can be added to your daily routine, whereas healing treatments can become part of a weekly or monthly plan, depending on your budget. As you feel more in control of how you manage stress, anxiety and emotions according to your personal baseline, and utilize the tactics you have in place to know your own unique boundaries, you will see how much more grounded and happy you can feel.
Of course, if you feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, consult with a mental health professional to help get you centered, and then create a plan that works for your lifestyle.
Photo by kandyjaxx on Flickr