When you are relaxing at the beach watching the sun's dazzling rays shimmer across the waves, your toes sunk in the warm sand, you think, why would I want to be anywhere else? You don't miss your job, schedule, or the hectic ways of everyday life. Going on vacation is a getaway, your breath of fresh air, and time where you actually feel calm without the demands of life knocking at your door. You go off to just be, to let your mind and body get a break from all stressors.
The glorious freedom you feel is a pause from chaos, and sadly it never lasts long enough. When the leisure ends, you always want more. Its like an intense craving that won't leave you alone. Why do we all always long for a place of relaxation? It's because the period away from stress equals the comfort of peace.
Daily life makes finding peace quite difficult. The major responsibilities start in high school and continue to grow from there. The demands rise higher and leave you climbing desperately after them. But it's not just you, I promise. Everyone I talk to is always stressed about something, whether work, school, or family related, and sometimes the strain is so clearly painted across their face. Most of us seem to be constantly at unease from the tasks we are required to do. Don't be discouraged though, there are ways to experience tranquility in the midst of difficulties.
Through my own years of maturity, I've had to teach myself how to relax in trying circumstances. It's not easy, especially if you are prone to frequent anxiety like me, but there is hope. Mindset is key when dealing with stress. You have to take a moment and try to clear your head, even picture that stunning beach if you have to, but think of things that make you calm. Whether it's a delightful smell, or special person, or maybe sitting by the fireplace drinking coffee, whatever it is, keep it in the front of your thoughts.
No matter what you are going through, there is always a moment where you can stop and take a deep breath. Use your own rhythmic breathing to soothe the soul. Sometimes things can get so crazy that you forget to give your body a chance to catch up. We all as humans have to push ourselves and adjust to pressures. Breathing can give you a sense of inner control over any demands you face.
Positive thoughts are another way to evoke a sense of euphoria. When you are in the middle of something uncomfortable, don't let it overpower you. Try to steer your mind towards encouraging thoughts that will build up strength, not tear it down. When caught in the middle of stress, if you are thinking negatively, how will that give you confidence to keep pushing through? The world is lacking in positive reinforcement, but the small action you take could inspire someone else. Plus, auspicious feelings motivate you and might even distract you from the space of mayhem.
Soothing music can replenish the mind. If you are in a situation that allows you to put in headphones, find your favorite song and jam on! Music is not only a lovely diversion, but it can help you focus and get into a zone. It will be a lot harder for thoughts of fraught to intervene if you've got mellow tunes coursing through your ears.
If you have an hour that you usually spend thinking about all the things on your to-do list, that is not benefiting your mental state. Use whatever time you have available and go out for some exercise! Allison Pescosolido says, "Exercise is one of the best ways for the human body to relieve stress and release anger." I've found this to be very true, which is why I always go for a run or a walk if I have built up anxiety. You have the power within you to defeat the tension! Just use that harvested energy to its potential by kicking stress to the curb with exercise.
Personally, I also like to pray. It makes me feel calm and collected to let my feelings out to the One who promises to always listen. You just have to search for Him and express yourself. Finding His presence has given me more peace than I could ever muster up alone. If you don't partake in prayer, journaling is another great way to extract the burdens troubling you. Writing the difficulties down is like picking them out of your head to instead penetrate the paper, and you will probably heave a sigh of relief.
My friends, why let stress continue to drag you down? We all must face pressure and we all have the ability to defeat it. I have let it drag me down for a long time, and I'm here to tell you that the mind battle is not an impossible one. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There will be days in the near future where you can end the wicked serpent of stress before it swallows you whole.
Let's go at everyday life with confidence, knowing that we are strong humans with the skills to overcome stress.
