What is stress?  The dictionary definition is 'demand on physical or mental energy, distress caused by this' 

The dictionary definition of distress is ' anguish or suffering caused by pain, sorrow, worry or exhaustion; state of difficulty or helplessness; lack of money or necessaries.  So it seems to me that maybe when we talk about being stressed, what we actually mean is that we are distressed.  And if we are distressed, things start to unravel.  We might become tearful, we might start drinking more, smoking more, eating more, spending more time on the internet.  We might begin to have physical symptoms such as headaches, rashes, aches and pains and maybe sleep problems such as insomnia, or sleeping too much. We may become short-tempered and irritable which can lead to relationship problems. I'm sure you can add to this list. 

So, what can you do if you are feeling stressed?

First of all, take some time out.  I know this can be difficult, especially when you are stressed because of demands at work, but you will find that even 10 minutes away from the stressful situation will allow you to re-charge your batteries.  It's really important to do this before you burn out completely. 

Take yourself off somewhere quiet.  Sit down with your feet flat on the floor and your hands in your lap. Make yourself comfortable.  Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, and slowly exhale through your mouth.  Repeat this several times and as you focus on your breathing, with each breath in breathe in relaxation and calm, and with each breath out, breathe out tension and stress. Feel your muscles relaxing with your breathing.  If your mind starts to wander back to the stressful situation, just focus again on your breathing.  Do this for 10 minutes or so and you will feel relaxed and invigorated and ready to return to your normal tasks.  Why not try it next time you feel like things are getting on top of you?

Always interested in complementary and holistic health care, I have recently started to question the western approach where the focus is on treating the symptoms rather than getting to the cause. How many of us come away from an appointment with our GP or a visit to a clinic with more questions than answers? How many of us have seen a 'specialist' in one field who isn't interested in looking at other symptoms which may be related but are outside that particular speciality?

How many people are on drugs that supress one symptom only to leave them with side effects that require more medication? For example, the medication to prevent acid reflux can prevent the body from absorbing iron properly, which means taking iron supplements which can cause constipation, which means taking a laxative, and so it goes on.....

There has to be a better way and I believe that so-called alternative therapies work because they work with vibrational energy. After all, everything in the universe is energy vibrating at different frequencies. And because complementary therapies take a holistic approach, they are often successful where traditional western medicine has failed.  If you have any doubt as to the power of the mind remember that even modern drug companies consider the placebo affect in clinical  trials -  and for the science behind it have a look at this link which describes the findings of research at Columbia University:

http://www.physorg.com/news105029324.html

I would love to hear your comments and stories. Please bear in mind that this is a public forum. If you want to send me a message privately, please use the form on the contact page.

It's amazing where you can find inspiration.  Keep an open mind and accept that people generally have good intentions.  You will find that inspiration comes to you out of the blue.  It might be something you read in the paper or something you hear on the news. It could be something you hear from a colleague, or something that a friend of a friend posts on facebook.   It might be the way the sun shines through the autumn leaves or it might be the words of a song.  Often it's found in the magic, mystery and awsome beauty of creation. But if you close your mind to possibilities and maintain the position that your way is the only way, there's no way for the inspiration to get in.  So challenge yourself to listen more than you speak and take some time out every day just to be quiet and clear your mind.  Do stuff willingly and without expecting anything in return and you will find that the inspiration starts to flow. Be kind.  Say thank-you.   

I find the Desiderata inspiring - some of it is here:

.....do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

If this has inspired you, why not leave a comment here.   You never know - someone, somewhere, might be inspired by what you have to say.  Let's start a tidal wave of inspiration!