Everyone is feeling the stress, the fear, the anxiety. But the question is – what are you doing about it?
If you want to transform or release the blocks you’ve created from an inward perspective, you might want to explore The Work of Byron Katie. Deceptively simple and oh so powerful!
You could also baby step your way through your fear. It often feels larger than it needs to be – we are SOOOO good at making it big! But the key is just to feel the fear, let it be ok that it is there, and take a step forward anyway. Courage is the ability to move forward even in the midst of fear. What is one small step you can take to move forward?
When we are stressed, scared or anxious we tend to hold our breath and freeze. Fight or flight. If you don’t released the energy, it will build up within you and cause problems down the road. “The psychological changes you get from exercise are influenced by different types of exercise in different conditions,” says Bonnie Berger, EdD, director of the School of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Matching an activity to your problem can also help steer you towards a solution.
- Mindset: Overwhelmed by the prospect of a big life change (switching careers, moving …)
- For your Body: Try distance running, hiking, yoga, Pilates
- Why: Proving to yourself that you can accomplish a goal builds the confidence you need to follow through on big decisions.
- Mindset: Your self worth is challenged and you feel vulnerable
- For you Body: Rock climbing, skiing, weight training
- Why: Mastering challenging activities improves self image and strengthening muscles helps increase mental fortitude.
- Mindset: Stress & responsibilities are building
- For your Body: Dance, kickboxing, circuit training
- Why: Activities that require concentration help distract you from your worries.
- Mindset: Frustration and anger are building
- For your Body: Rowing, swimming, spinning, walking
- Why: Activities that don’t require quick thinking or decision making allow you to zone out.
There are many other ways to shift your mindset (music, creative projects…) and if you choose a more sedentary approach make sure that somewhere you include movement for your body. It could be dancing around your kitchen when no one is home, or better yet, singing AND dancing.
Get Moving – don’t let the stress settle into your body!