There are some days when I take a look at my to-do list and really wonder if even half of it is doable. My knee jerk reaction is panic. My heart beats rapidly, my stomach cramps, and I start thinking about anything other than the tasks at hand. Yeah, a little procrastination happens, let’s be real. No matter how much I plan, and I’m the queen of planners and calendars, I can’t seem to avoid a momentary panic. But what good would I be or how effective can I possibly be when I am under stress? Some people can function under pressure, in fact it’s when they shine, but that’s really not beneficial for my health – think raised cortisol levels and comfort food. Shoveling spoonfuls of coconut ice cream into my mouth while wallowing in self pity. I don’t want that. None of us do. We all want to feel as relaxed as possible.
So, with that in mind, here are a few of my favorite tips to keep myself level headed, present, and calm:
Before you let your head explode like a balloon take a moment to stop and feel your feet. If this means taking your shoes off and actually feeling the ground, do it. Simply connecting with the ground helps you feel, well, ground your energy. Pause. Breathe and trust that everything is going to be okay.
Breathe deeply and slowly.
Closing your eyes and breathing for a few minutes can make such a huge difference. My favorite breathing exercise comes from Dr. Andrew Weil. The 4-7-8 breath is key to achieving ultimate and instant relaxation. Here’s how you do it: Exhale completely through your mouth. Close your mouth and inhale deeply through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. Repeat three more times. Do this twice a day for an amazing relaxing effect.
Limit Caffeine
If you’re an anxiety prone person, the last thing you need is caffeine, which makes your heart beat faster than it already is. Though caffeinated beverages are known to help you focus, when you’re already on the brink of a stressful mental breakdown, steer clear. Sip on some decaffeinated tea, put on some of your favorite 90’s tunes (anyone else have a Backstreet Boys Pandora Station?), and feel a load lift off your shoulders.
Trust that all is well and you are powerful enough to get it done
One of my favorite things to do is to use affirmations to get me through the day. I leave myself motivational post-its and notes of encouragement to give me a boost. Repeat after me: Everything that needs to get done is already done. I am relaxed, blissful and liberated knowing that I have all that I need to finish the tasks at hand. I am at peace.
Sure this seems super simple but we need to trick our minds sometimes. Repeating positive affirmations and uplifting mantras can move mountains.
Stop doing what’s stressing you out and smell the flowers…
As Danielle LaPorte says, honor your limitations. Instead of acting as though your limits are non existent, acknowledge that they are there and breathe through them. Take moments for self care. Treat yourself to a soy chai latte (these are okay sometimes), chat with a friend, cry, laugh of even call your mom (This helps me all the time. My mom is the best). Do whatever it takes for you to feel free and vibrant. Trust yourself and know that you got this.
Even if you don’t get everything done on your to-do list today, know that tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to start over. Leave the stresses of the day with that day and be fully present by breathing into the unlimited potential of the new day. You radiate relaxation and calm. You can do this.
