Constant State of Stress

Ever feel like you are juggling so many things at once and still falling short?

For so many of us juggling work and family, mornings often start in a rush, and nights end in restless sleep. I remember feeling like I was on a never-ending treadmill—running faster but getting nowhere.

What I didn’t realise was that my body was stuck in a constant state of stress.

Understanding Stress

Stress isn’t always bad!

It’s a normal reaction to exciting events like landing a promotion or planning that dream vacay. 🏖️

Picture this: you’re about to give a big presentation at work. Your heart races, palms sweat, and you feel that surge of nerves. This is your body gearing up for action—a natural adrenaline boost to help you shine.

But when stress sticks around, it can turn from a superpower into a health hazard.

Your body can’t tell the difference between a real emergency and an overflowing inbox. Constantly being in "fight or flight" mode without enough downtime leads to burnout.

That’s why finding ways to activate your "rest and digest" mode is crucial.

Finding Calm 

The good news is that by making small, intentional changes, like incorporating simple mindfulness practices or meditation into your daily routine, you can start to break the cycle.

By taking even a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself, we can help our bodies and minds shift out of stress mode and into a state of relaxation and recovery so that you can start feeling more grounded, calm, and in control.

A Simple Technique to Reset

When stress creeps in, belly breathing—also known as diaphragmatic breathing—is one of the simplest ways to hit reset. Here’s how:

1. Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down, and close your eyes.
2. Hand Placement: Place one hand on your chest, the other on your abdomen. Your abdomen should rise and fall with each breath.
3. Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose for four seconds, feeling your abdomen expand.
4. Hold: Hold your breath for four seconds.
5. Exhale: Exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds, feeling your abdomen contract.
6. Repeat: Continue for 5–15 minutes, extending the lengths of your breaths as you feel comfortable.

Why It Works: Belly breathing activates your body’s natural relaxation response, lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, increases oxygen supply, and promotes mindfulness. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to quickly reset during moments of stress.

Takeaway

Next time you feel stress creeping in, try belly breathing. It’s a small step that can make a big difference. Remember, sometimes the simplest techniques are the most effective.

Looking for More?

I’ve got more simple yet powerful ways to give your body’s stress response a break and bring you back to the present. Check out my free, 'Busy but Calm: 3 Ways to Reduce Stress Now', where I guide you through each technique in both audio and text formats.

Whether you prefer reading or listening, this guide will help you start managing stress effectively.

On-Trend!

Looking for a natural way to reduce stress? Try "forest bathing"! This Japanese practice, known as Shinrin-yoku, involves immersing yourself in a forest environment, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being.

Even a short walk in a park during your lunch break can help you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, listen to nature’s sounds, and just be present.

It’s a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with nature and give your mind and body a much-needed break.