Stress

This just about sums it up

I get stressed.  I get overwhelmed.  I commit to too many things.  I have a neurotic tendency to not just want, but need to do everything at 150%.   I find myself carrying the weight of others' burdens.  Not because they ask, but because as an emotional inclined person, I find myself affected when loved ones are suffering.

At the same time, I try to be a Yogi every single day.  Even with practicing yoga, I get angry.  I get emotional.  I get aggravated.  And mostly it is due to stress.   How do we manage our stress?  How do we maintain the calmness and tranquility we feel in our practice?  Each day, I try to find anywhere from 20-45 minutes to roll out my mat, breathe, stretch and have a feeling of peace and calmness during my practice.  But, then how do we maintain this and bring it into the world?   How do we remain Stoic ("calm under all circumstances") when life overwhelmes us and gives us a great burden?

This week has got me thinking about this. The past few weeks have been stressful for a number of reasons and this week, serendipitously, I'm teaching about the subjects of Buddhism and Stoicism in different classes, both which advocate a certain amount of detachment to the ebbs and flows of life.

This has always appealed to me - a certain amount of detachment, or the "it won't really matter" philosophy when unpleasant things happen or unexpected stresses come my way.   Yet, as a very emotionally based, intuitive, open, "feel things" kind of person, I find it an interesting balance to achieve.  How do you stay detached and calm without becoming apathetic or numb?  How do you stay connected and empathetic without becoming emotionally spent all the time?

Buddhists say to follow the Eightfold Path.  Yogis say to practice the Eight Limbs.  Christians, Hindus, Muslims all have other advice (which come to think of it, usually involve some number - the 10 commandments, the 5 Pillars, etc.)    This week, I realized that at its most simple foundation, having an authentic connection and conversation with someone is one way to walk this line, a way to reconnect with ourselves in times of stress and feeling like we can't handle any more.    To have an authentic exchange, to share and to have someone say, "I know exactly how you feel" and mean it was enough to let my shoulders down this week.  It was a reminder that I can live through these stresses and burdens, and that I can hopefully learn something and grow through them which will make me a stronger, calmer yogi.

Yoga is not just about stretching, balancing or looking tranquil.  It is about living life, the good and bad, the storms and the calm, encountering the quiet peaceful people and the aggressive hostile ones in our lives, but all the while remaining who we are, remaining authentically grounded.   But we are humans after all, and sometimes it is harder than others.    :)

5 Suggestions for Alleving Stress

1)Make yourself some "me" time.  After you get a certain amount of work and necessary obligations filled, take an hour to spend with yourself, doing what YOU want to do, whether that's taking a bath, watching a film, reading a book, taking a nap or stretching out onto your yoga mat.

2)Get and try to stay organized.  This is preventative medicine and can save a lot of time and hassle in your daily life.  Make lists for things.  Check them off as you do them.  This eliminates anxiety over what needs to be done and if you're forgetting anything and also gives a sense of satisfaction as you check each item off.

3) Turn off your phone for a few hours.  Or at least don't feel like you have to answer every time the phone rings.  You can call them back later.  Do the same with email, facebook, etc.  The world will be okay if you don't check your facebook today.

4)  Learn to say "no."  Say a "healthy no" to committments when you have too much on your plate or need some recharge time.   Let go of the guilt.  The world will be okay if you take a break.

5)  Get frisky with your partner.  Aside from feeling fantastic and being a great way to connect with your other half, it's a stress reliever.  I'm just sayin...

Question:  What is one thing that helps you relieve stress in your life?  What is something that you can suggest to help others who easily get overwhelmed?

Take a breather and lay down in the sun for a few..