"Stress is the trash of modern day life; we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life."

~ Danzae Pace

Living in a Stress Response State: How to Find Balance and Peace

Our brains haven't evolved much in the last million years, but our world has transformed remarkably. 

Picture this: a simpler time when life revolved around tending to a homestead, looking after your children and husband, mending clothes, baking bread, and bartering for essentials like milk and meat. While it was undoubtedly hard work, it was a different kind of stress our ancestors adapted to handle.

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves bombarded with constant information from news channels and social media. The overstimulation resulting from the onslaught of innovation, modern opportunities, and unparalleled mobility is taking its toll on our mental and emotional well-being. The state of the world and the unrest amongst leaders, people, and religion, at times, are frightening. It's no wonder many of us struggle with the infamous "monkey mind," along with issues like insomnia, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

We are living in a perpetual state of stress response. Our minds constantly dash between the past and the future, creating worries and thoughts that feel all too real.

However, there's hope. Managing and emptying our stress bucket is so important for getting a sense of relaxation, confidence, and mindfulness. In this fast-paced world, less is truly more. 

But how can we navigate our way back to tranquility amidst the chaos?

1. Silence the Chatter: Start by trying to think less. Disconnect from that incessant "roommate" inside your head who keeps chattering about all the wrong things that could happen. Techniques like meditation, yoga, listening to calming music, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can help quiet this internal noise.

2. Positive Self-Talk: Engage in inner rehearsal. Make a conscious effort to focus on feeling good. Why not? Cultivate thoughts that build you up and make you feel positive and confident. Be disciplined about what you allow into your mental space. Choose your news sources wisely, and consider silencing the constant notifications on your phone. Opt for reading instead of binge-watching Netflix before bedtime.

3. Embrace Restorative Sleep: Prioritize REM sleep, the stage of sleep associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration. Create a sleep-conducive environment by avoiding screens before bedtime, using soothing audio sounds, engaging in regular exercise, refraining from late-night snacking, maintaining a cool bedroom, using soft lighting, and filling your thoughts with positivity before drifting off.

4. Manage stress Reactively: In moments of stress or anxiety, practice self-awareness. When a challenging situation arises, pause. Take a moment to accept the reality of the situation. Breathe deeply using the 4-4-4-4 technique (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4). Step back and assess the situation from a broader perspective. Then, take ownership of it. Remember, you do have a choice in how you want to feel. You can manipulate your brain to slow down and regain control. You can also choose not to surround yourself with stress triggers.

5. Start with Awareness: Acknowledge that this process takes work and time. But it all begins with awareness. Using your journal can be a valuable tool to track your progress and gain insights into your stress responses.

In conclusion, our modern world presents unique challenges, and living in a constant stress response state is unhealthy. The key is to reclaim your peace of mind by actively managing stress and finding a balance in this rapidly evolving landscape. Remember, you can choose how you want to navigate this world and find inner peace. 

It takes work, I know. And it sure takes time. But... it starts with awareness.

Practice some of the above suggestions, I'd love to find out if this is helpful for you!

X

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