We are all familiar with stress. It’s just part of life these days, but as familiar as it is, it can be managed. Here are some scientifically based remedies to stress, along with other remedies from older traditions I know have worked for myself and clients.
1. Observe And Be Kind To Yourself
The first step to any transformative practice is observation. Figure out what your triggers are and how you react. Where does your hippocampus take you when you’re on autopilot?
Do you run to a cookie? Television, coffee, beer?
For me, once I got over the chemical dependencies of cigarettes, booze, marijuana I saw just how much my mind obsessed over my relationships when stressed.
You might find you go to the staples of self-medication or you might discover you have unique ways of coping.
Unique methods your brain has learned in order to reduce its experience of suffering.
Which brings us to our other point:
Stop torturing yourself over what you do when stressed, it’s not a reflection of you, it’s a conditioned part of your brain.
If you beat yourself up for getting stressed all you’re doing is creating more stress.