10 Best Practices For STRESS

and what happens to your body when you're stressed....

When we are stressed, it is very easy to develop negative thinking patterns because we become frustrated by our challenges and feelings of overwhelm.

This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage the problems that come up and to move forward and break through the cycle of stress.

I know this sounds pretty woowoo wahwah but ...
... practicing thinking positive  thoughts can help us to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases  our confidence which in turn increases our motivation and so our harmony & balance.

And by being in a positive frame of mind this allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck.

The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:

1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don't seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in your life.

Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.

• Before you go to bed at night, note down 3 things that you are grateful for and 3 things that made  you smile that day.

3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality.

If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them.

Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.

4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or complained to a friend "You NEVER call me!"?

Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.

6. Squash the "ANTs"
In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts.

These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like
"Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or
"The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!"

When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin' (Your Friends and Family)
You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick me-up.

8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources.

The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different.

Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It's never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry and stress.

Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.

It’s important to understand the signs of stress and react with a positive way of handling it such as these 10 tips.

The key to busting stress is making sure that you look after YOU.

Have a look at your work life, your personal life and social life to see if there are any areas you can create more harmony.

You might be surprised on what you find.

VIDEO - The Effects of Stress on Your Body