Many clients come to me to help release blockages caused by built up stress. I want to review a few techniques that might help you break the stress up before it gets too bad. Then when you come in for Reiki, you will already have begun the process of allowing your energy to flow more freely.
You can take control of the constant bombardment of stress coming into your life. It will take discipline and some trial and error until you discover what works best for you. If you are feeling stressed out, here are some good practices to help keep you calm and keep your energy flowing.
1) Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration causes the physical body stress and does not allow energy to flow smoothly.
2) Obviously avoid your stressors if you can. Some we can't avoid, but many we can. If you have people in your life who constantly are hyper and negative try to avoid them. You know who I mean - the person who wants you to come into their 'panic' with them. Many years ago, I actually had a boss whose favorite thing to say when she walked in the door was "Come, panic with me." If they start to go 'there', remove yourself. Turn off violent programs. Limit the amount of news coverage you watch.
3) Know your limits. At work, you often don't have a choice of what to take on and what you can decline. But there are many other commitments we make outside of our jobs. You need to know when to say "no". Answer "no" immediately if you can. If you are unsure, ask the person if you can get back to them later in the day with your answer. That usually gives you time to check your schedule and make a good decision. This includes parties!
If you are volunteering to help someone, only do those things you really enjoy doing. If internally, you think "Oh my, I don't want to do this again!, follow that, say "no". Your spirit is telling you that this is beyond your limits for stress. Make it a good healthy "no". You don't need to make excuses; just a polite "no". Honestly, the world will not fall apart if you don't tackle just one more project.
4) Avoid heavy traffic and crowds if they stress you. Plan your commute so that you can avoid the heaviest traffic. Shop at off-hours to avoid crowds. Shop on-line.
5) Laugh a little each day. Keeping your sense of humor will help you in many ways.
6) Lose the need to be perfect. Trying to do everything perfectly is a very good way to stress your whole system out and make those around you miserable as well. So lighten up; be flexible. Good enough is good enough.
7) Focus on the positive. No matter what is happening there are still blessings. So when you are stressed take a few minutes and write down 5 things you are grateful for. Use all positive words, not words heavy with emotional triggers.
8) Set aside quiet time each day. It is important that every day you take at least 10 minutes for yourself. A half hour is best but even in 10 minutes of quiet time you can release a lot of tension. You are the most important person in your life, so make that appointment with yourself a top priority.
9) Take care of your body. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, exercise, reduce caffeine and sugar, and avoid nicotine, drugs and alcohol.
10) Breathe. When we are stressed we begin to breathe shallowly and that fouls the energy system. Any time you feel stress building, try this breathing technique: Breathe in deeply and slowly for a count of six (a belly breath), hold for a count of four, release slowly to the count of six. Do at least three breaths this way. This will help you release stress before it sets in deeply. If you find yourself yawning a lot it probably means you are shallow breathing. Practice the deep breathing as needed until you find yourself feeling more relaxed.
There are so many other ways to help reduce your stress. You know you best, so do those that work for you. Make a commitment to de-stress regularly throughout your days.