Saturday Morning Stress Management Ideas

A few of my friends are having a really hard time catching their breath lately. Stress is building up and stealing their joy in heart-breaking ways, and I hate it for them. I hate it for myself, too, because I love my friends and want them back. LOL I want their shine back in my life. You know? : )

So today, before I walk out to the garden, before I start preparing for the new bees which we are bringing home tonight, before we go play with the new cria who was born yesterday…

I want to share a simple formula I use in times of paralyzing stress.

Start with your environment. If you need to relocate to somewhere more peaceful than where you are, do that. Or, if you need to spend half an hour cleaning your house in order to enjoy it more, do that. I always think more clearly with a clean, shining room and a fragrant candle. That’s just me. Speaking of environment, I also suggest considering your most personal environment, your body. Go get really sweaty for a while, doing whatever you do that feels good to you (I like running, duh). Then take a shower and get cooled off and peaceful. Now your slate is somewhat clean and you are ready to re-energize. The mind-body connection is so strong.

Now just sit still and count your blessings, big and small. When I say small I mean notice the colors and fragrances outside that please you, the loving memories captured in your home’s furnishings, the sounds of your people or your animals, etc. Notice the incredible things, too, like every bill that is paid. Every physical ailment that is in your past. Every broken relationship that is either repaired or removed. Be as wild and thorough about counting your blessings as you can possibly be. Spend real energy on this, to the point that you feel silly, because it will fuel your asking for new blessings. Soon you won’t feel silly; you’ll feel exhilarated. I use a pretty notebook to record these things, and I am still playing with Ann Voskamp’s 1,000 gifts exercise. You do what works for you. Just be detailed. Notice what feels amazing to you, what things you can’t imagine losing. Rather than giving any thought to the problems you’re facing, be thankful for the problems you don’t have. Notice what physical pleasures, which thoughts and emotions, every plan that excites you or comforts you the most. Spend a little energy magnifying those things. I promise whatever energy you spend here will be restored to you in spades.

Now write down a few wishes. Don’t even call them prayers yet; call them wishes, and be happy about it! Like, totally indulgent. If anything in the world could go exactly your way, what do you want out of life? (And by the way? I had the realization recently that what I want out of life is in many cases very different from what society thinks I should want. Be genuine!) Think about that outcome in detail, imagine it. Dwell in the possibility of total fulfillment, both short-term and long-term. Now pray over these things. Ask for them boldly, beyond what you by yourself would be able to do. This means ask largely. Ask for the most overwhelming version of whatever your heart desires, and trust that the best possible thing for you will happen. It really will! Trust that Love reigns over your life, because He does.

Finally, go do something for someone else. Simple as that. Your needs are now met. Your biggest hopes are being fulfilled even before you see the evidence of it, and you have life and energy abundant in you, overflowing. You have plenty to share, so go share it! For the rest of the day, anytime you have the urge to focus on your problems (they are real, I’m not saying they’re not), just dismiss the thought and remember that the solutions are forthcoming. Instead of dwelling in frustration, pain, or sadness, make a conscious choice to dwell in the mystery of the future, the overwhelming possibility of EVERY SINGLE WISH GRANTED.

Happy Saturday Friends! I’ll be back soon with farm updates and an installment of Tiny T’s love story!

XOXOXOXO