Stress Less and Grow More: A Simple Guide to Mindful Living
You are the only one who allows stress.
Responding vs. Reacting to Challenges
Instead of reacting to anything stressful, try to respond differently.
On a daily basis, there things you can do to follow through your intention of responding instead of reacting.
1. Let go of fear and attachment.
Fear is often rooted in a lack of trust – in yourself, in others, in life.
Ask yourself, “What am I afraid that I think will happen?” Then challenge those worries with more constructive questions:
- “What is the likelihood of that really happening?”
- “If it did happen, how would I cope?”
- “What can I do now to prevent or mitigate that outcome?”
Focusing on solutions will help alleviate fear and cultivate courage. Do small acts each day that pushes you outside of your comfort zone in solving the issue at hand. Over time, fear loses it grip because you will have learned that you can do more than the current situation.
Attachment refers to ideals, expectations, or outcomes. Let these go and be open to life’s unpredictability.
- Accept that you can’t control everything. Do your best and let the rest go.
- See things as it is and not how it “should be”.
- Value experiences rather than material possessions. Experiences are more meaningful and last longer.
2. Establish a gratitude practice.
When you do find yourself stressed or upset, make gratitude your first response. Whoah! I know, this is a bit hard. But it really works.
Take a few deep breaths and ask yourself: “What am I grateful for right now?” This simple question can immediately shift your mindset and would make the situation feel more manageable.
A very good practice is to pick a regular time, preferably in the morning after waking up or at night before going to bed, to sit down and reflect to what you are grateful for. There are lots for sure. You can just utter whatever it is you are grateful for. You know that there are so many!
You can also write these things you are grateful for in a diary or a journal.
3. Practice mindfulness through breathing.
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing on your awareness on the present moment. It means tuning in to your thoughts and feelings without judging yourself. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a balance and non-reactive perspective.
- Pay close attention to your senses. Notice the sounds, smells, textures, tastes, and sights in your surroundings. Appreciate them.
- Do one thing at a time. Slow down and focus on the task in front of you. Do not let your mind get distracted by what you have to do next or what’s going on around you.
- Breathe consciously. Take some deep breaths from your diaphragm to help shift your mind from the past or future into the present moment.
Focusing on solutions will help alleviate fear and cultivate courage. Do small acts each day that pushes you outside of your comfort zone in solving the issue at hand. Over time, fear loses it grip because you will have learned that you can do more than the current situation.
Attachment refers to ideals, expectations, or outcomes. Let these go and be open to life’s unpredictability.
- Accept that you can’t control everything. Do your best and let the rest go.
- See things as it is and not how it “should be”.
- Value experiences rather than material possessions. Experiences are more meaningful and last longer.
4. Take care of yourself.
HEY, I'M CAREN
I'M A LIFE COACH
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, facer facilisi has id. Te mel falli quodsi labores.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, facer facilisi has id. Te mel falli quodsi labores. Ad amet platonem iudicabit vix.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, facer facilisi has id. Te mel falli quodsi labores. Ad amet platonem iudicabit vix.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.