Have you ever gone to catch a flight and found yourself at the wrong airport? I have. About 20 years ago I went to Dulles International Airport for one of my regularly scheduled work trips. I lived in Reston, Virginia then and Dulles was the closest airport. But this time, my flight was leaving from National Airport. I caught my flight, but was I stressed getting there!
Stress is a fact of life. From running late for a flight to being diagnosed with cancer or having a difficult conversation with a loved one, our lives are full of moments that test our ability to stay calm and centered. Responding to each stressful situation that arises without losing our balance requires us to pay attention to our body and our mind.
Stress is our body’s reaction to a perceived threat or overwhelming situation. Our body releases a slew of stress hormones to prepare us for action and our mind goes into high alert.
What creates stress can be very different for each of us, but we can all learn how to realign ourselves to effectively deal with our stress.
Five Stress-Busting Steps
Since that stressful ride to National Airport 20 years ago, I’ve learned 5 easy steps to regain my balance and deal with overwhelming situations.
1. Have Awareness
The first step is to know you are stressed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we are often clueless of how we feel. What are you aware of in your body? Is your neck stiff? Your stomach churning? Are you perspiring? Knowing your signs of stress will help you make a conscious choice to shift your internal state and redirect your energy or focus.
2. Breathe
Be conscious of your breath.Your breath is your greatest tool for getting out of the chaos of the moment. By focusing on breathing, your body and mind will begin to let go of the tightness and restrictions you are holding. Take deep purposeful breaths. They will help you slow things down so you can better gauge what is happening. Then see yourself moving effortless through your situation with clarity and purpose.
3. Stay Positive
Being positive allows you to see opportunities for growth and renewal. Notice what choices open up that can transcend being stuck in a stress reaction. Stay away from imaging worst case scenarios. Let go of negative thoughts and sensations that are keeping you entrapped in the past. Instead, envision a healthy and tranquil resolution and allow this sensation to guide you.
4. Pay Attention
Where your mind goes your actions follow. What are you paying attention to? Be mindful of what is swirling inside you and around you. Be in the here and now. Look at the situation through a different lens and see options you didn’t see before. Pay attention to the doors that open and follow a new path. Stay in the present; that’s where change happens.
5. Set Intention
Your final step is to set your intention on how you will respond to stressful challenges. An intention plants a seed for future action by paying attention to the here and now. What do you want to experience? What possibilities are open to you here and now? Imagine yourself capable of dealing with the challenging situation. See yourself being calm and centered. If you feel yourself straying from your intention, bring your awareness back to your intention and breath deeply.
You may not be able to get rid of all stress in your life. Stress happens. But when it does, follow these 5 easy steps to find your center and balance in times of stress.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” William James