This is a two-part series. In Part 1, we explore the first three steps to a healthy mindstyle. In the next issue of The City Insight, Part 2 will discuss the next three steps.
Although the year 2020 is now in the past, we still feel the effects in the present. Truth be told: 2020 was downright stressful! And 2021 will present its own challenges as well.
Whether we realize it or not, we are stressed! According to the American Psychology Association’s Stress in America 2020 Report, 70% of Americans report the economy is a significant source of stress, (versus 46% per the 2019 Stress in America Survey). 80% of Americans report having stress symptoms (Healthline), and 22% report an economic stress level of 8 to 10 on a 10-point scale (APA).
Too often, we push through the stress, but denying, ignoring, or normalizing stress can be incredibly harmful to our mental and physical health. So, what can we do? We can cultivate a healthy mindstyle (lifestyle for the mind!), by paying attention to how we think; how we nourish the mind. Here are Steps 1 to 3:
1. Increase Awareness.
Many times, we are not even aware we are stressed! My ‘go-to’ ways of knowing you’re stressed are a) somatic responses and b) emotions. Do you feel tightness in your chest, throat, gut? Is your heart racing? Are your shoulders up in your ears? Did you suddenly feel sadness, fear, anxiety, seemingly out of nowhere? These are all signs. Listen to your body and your emotions. They are wonderful indicators.
2. Appreciation.
In a state of appreciation, we are in a high vibration state, open and receptive. We are in those regions of the brain that allow for healing, growth, learning, creativity. Under stress, experiencing fear or anxiety, we are in quite different regions of the brain. Why is this significant? According to Dr. Gary Epler of Harvard Medical School, you can only be in one region of the brain at any moment. So, practice appreciation daily, hourly, as often as possible until it becomes your default mode!
3. Shifting Thoughts: Mental Hygiene 101 – My Favorite Things.
Remember the Sound of Music? During a thunderstorm, the children began thinking of things that brought them happiness, and suddenly, they didn’t feel so bad. If something is creating stress, acknowledge it, and then simply shift to a joyful, peaceful thought. Notice the immediate change in how you feel. Now, if you are experiencing extreme anxiety, you may not be able to get to joy immediately. Just reach for a better feeling thought to provide you a little relief at a time.
Stress is a part of life. We cannot eliminate it; only choose how we respond. Start practicing these daily to cultivate a healthy mindstyle.
To learn more about Mindstyle & other tools for stress management, contact Lynn at https://lynndelgaudio.com.
