3 Natural Ways to Manage Stress

We live in a fast paced world, hustling and bustling our way through everyday life. Consequently we have accepted chronic levels of stress as a normal part of our lives. Our modern day stressors include pressure from work, family commitments, kids sport runs, social pressure, personal challenges, nutrition imbalances, poor quality diets and lack of movement that by themselves may be 'small' but combined together, can make everyday living lacking of joy, rest, fulfilment and personal care.

In the past, we were exposed to big short term stressful events that subsided when the threat was over like, an attack from a tiger. We would see tiger turn and run or put up a fight!!! Back then, when stress hormones increased, we put them into action and then their levels returned to 'normal'. BUT modern society is under constant small bouts of stressors that occur repeatedly, permanently, switching on our 'fight or flight response system'. Our stress hormones are not put into action and so tension remains within our body, building up over the years and manifesting as illness and dis-ease.

I've heard it said numerously 'what can I do about it, I just have to accept it, its normal right?'. No! its not normal and no! you don't have to accept it. It's so important to understand that we are not meant to live in a sick body, we were made to live in a healthy body, fulfilling our life purpose. Achieving optimal health relies upon the small, daily & consistent things that we choose to do. So yes! something can be done to bring balance to your body and life.

Thankfully, we have 3 simple holistic approaches to stress management that can be performed for instant relief and long term health benefits.

Meditation

The practice of meditation is an ancient ritual, practiced worldwide across many cultures & religions. In its basic form it aims to promote a mind - body connection but, can extend fully to encompass the spirit and its connection to God, the Creator. It involves bringing focus to the thoughts that are overcrowding our mind letting them flow out & eliminating them from your consciousness. Learning to be in a state of stillness, no thoughts just a pure connection of your body, mind and spirit. Meditation promotes relaxation of the body, stillness of the mind, relieving anxiety and worries and then peace and trust in the Spirit. It switches on the 'rest, digest, and repair system' supporting your body heal.

There are many different ways to meditate a simple approach is to find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Start by taking a few deep breaths in & out, then close your eyes and focus on breathing slowly and deeply, inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. As you begin to relax into the breath begin to let go of any stressful thoughts or worries, letting them pass out of your mind and body with each exhale. When you have emptied your thoughts, bring awareness to your spirit knowing, that you are intimately connected to God, the Creator, where you will find peace. Our spirit connects us to the innate wisdom that we have all been given that guides us through life.

Once, completed you should be physically calm, have mental clarity and spiritually at peace.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises using the diaphragm muscle are another simple powerful tool for immediate stress relief that can be performed anywhere, anytime, whether your in the car, in a meeting or waiting in a queue. They can also be performed lying down or sitting in a comfortable position with one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen to help you feel your breath rising and falling. The main focus is on the breath.

Lets start!

1. Inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs up with air and allowing your abdomen to expand.

2. Exhale slowly through your mouth, emptying your lungs and feeling your abdomen fall.

3. Continue deep breathing for for a few cycles building up to a few minutes. Focus on the rhythm of your breath and allowing your body to relax, releasing any tension held within your muscles.

Deep breathing increases the flow of oxygen to your brain, switches on your 'rest & digest' nervous system, and calms your body, reducing stress hormones levels. It can help you feel more relaxed almost instantly.

Let Nature Nurture you

There is an increasing amount of research showing that spending time in nature can lower stress hormones, improve sleep, improve mood, support healing, enhance creative potential and improved overall health. Taking a 20 minute nature walk has been shown to significantly drop cortisol - the 'stress hormone'. Nature breaks help the body shift into the healing system. Whether it’s a leisurely hike, sitting in your garden, or barefoot walking or lying down on the grass. Take the time to enjoy the beauty of creation, listening to the music of nature, the sounds of the birds, the touch of the breeze, the warmth of the sun, and the smell of the earth, as you take in the beauty of the natural world and allow nature to nurture you.

Need professional guidance?

Bellator Wellbeing considers a holistic approach to health, highlighting the interconnection of the mind, body, and spirit as key factors to achieving optimal health. Through a combination of dietary guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and natural supplements a stress management plan can be developed tailored to your unique needs.

Adopting a holistic approach to stress management is an valuable investment in your physical and mental well-being. So, to start the healing process and bring balance to your life and body, choose one of the above approaches to incorporate into your daily routine.

Your body, mind and spirit will love it!

For more information or individual tailored approach to your health journey contact Berta Azzi 0403 532 951 or click here.