The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997, doctors made two million diagnoses of "Acute reaction to stress" when patients were seen for check-ups or complaints of headaches, stomach problems, immune system disturbances and some heart problems. These were usually a direct result of chronic stress and overwhelm, patients were trying to do it all with no time just for themselves, the resulting complaints were making it harder to get things done and causing lasting health problems.
By spending a minimum of ten minutes a day alone you can reduce your stress hormones and improve your immune functions. Using the refrain I'm just too busy to have ten minutes of quiet all to myself is really slowing us down, making us less productive, and opening us to the risk of severe stress related disorders. Periods of solitude have been proven to be as vital to our health as good food, sleep, and water.
There are many ways and places to give yourself your daily solitude; some people like to sit quietly and meditate, others find listening to soothing music helps them recharge. Walking your dog or gardening are also great ways to get your solitude. A few requirements to make sure you are getting the full benefits of your quiet time are to make sure you are being present in the silence or activity you are doing, rather than running over that to-do list again, or thinking of all the things you need to accomplish once you get done with this 10 minute solitude break you are having. The real value of taking at least a 10 minute daily break is that you give your mind a rest. If thoughts come up you can just notice them and release them, or write them down on a small pad so you can look at them again later. We have a great wealth of insight and wisdom within us but we never stop to tap into it.
Make the 10 minutes a priority in your day and you'll find you have more energy, greater clarity, and are able to be creative and focus on the things you would like to achieve and make them happen with ease and be more fulfilled then you had ever imagined.
I usually introduce this idea of taking a solitude break to my clients during the first month of our coaching, there is resistance at first but once they have experienced the feeling of being recharged and the insights they gain they schedule time every day sometimes twice a day for a break just to be alone. One of my clients was stuck in a position she didn't like. The money was terrific and she used that as an excuse to put up with the long hours and the lack of passion she felt day in and day out. I made a request that she set aside 10 minutes a day to just be by herself.
As I requested this she became fidgety and spent the next five minutes listing all of the reasons why it wouldn't be possible to add this one more thing to here overwhelmed schedule. After talking a bit more my client acknowledged that she never had any time just to herself and she found the idea appealing, she started with five minutes a day.
Early in the morning before work she would sit in her sunny kitchen window seat and just watch the sun begin its day. After only four days of this she called me to say that spending this time alone had given here a recharge and she was ready to explore new career ideas and make a change.
She increased her solitude time to 30 minutes a day and within 4 months she had found a job in a similar field doing work that paid more but also gave an outlet for here creativity and left her feeling happy, with a sense she was making a difference at the end of the day.
About The Author
?BZ Riger-Hull. Author of The Soul of Success http://www.in-spiros.com For valuable free articles, http://www.in-spiros.com Certified as a Success Coach, "Four Agreements" Facilitator, & Tele-Course leader We help you communicate powerfully, reduce stress, Strategically Attract success, & increase your financial well-being. Our coaching programs and Tele-Courses give you the Tools you need to Succeed.
cleaning service near Park Ridge .!Elizabeth, 32, cried during anger management class as she told... Read More
Stress. The word brings to mind many different definitions doesn't... Read More
What is the greatest fear of man? Is it death?... Read More
Panic.Heart racing. Palms sweating. Breathing rapid and shallow. Mouth dry.... Read More
Don't wait to have a life-threatening disease to learn what... Read More
To be a safe and predictable person for those around... Read More
My son was watching a Richard Scarry video this morning... Read More
Stress affects different people in different ways, but affect them... Read More
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life. In... Read More
Imagine driving down the road. You are driving with a... Read More
The number one most popular issue that users of a... Read More
Stress is often seen as being unhealthy, but for some... Read More
1. 5-minute rule. How many times do we say, "This... Read More
As small business owners, we often take on more than... Read More
Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More
I am worried. I have been biting my nails for... Read More
One of my favorite stories about change is the story... Read More
Q. I've been told that I need to learn from... Read More
Most of us are trying to balance work, home, and... Read More
"One day I'm a mother, One day I'm a lover,... Read More
Use these simple tips to minimize stress in your day... Read More
Of all the forms of stress in today's world, computer... Read More
Stress is an interpretation of an event or circumstance which... Read More
Most of us lead busy lives, trying to successfully juggle... Read More
house cleaning near Des Plaines .!Worry, big or small blocks positive vibrations from entering your... Read More
So many of us live a stressful life. Unfortunately, when... Read More
We strive for excellence in our lives, going at full... Read More
Have you ever noticed what occurs when you are suddenly... Read More
My son was watching a Richard Scarry video this morning... Read More
Q: Someone told me that the Chinese symbol for crisis... Read More
To combat modern day stressors, you need to realize that... Read More
For those of you who have been living in a... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
1. The Mentor Method: think of your favorite person. Someone... Read More
An excellent stress reducer can be something as simple as... Read More
We are not designed for long term stress.It causes us... Read More
We all know that stress levels in the workplace are... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More
Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More
Deceiving? You bet they are. How? Without your even knowing... Read More
Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can... Read More
Fear, and its accompanying seriousness, causes our suffering. Fear restricts... Read More
To be a safe and predictable person for those around... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions' (A.C.T.U.) 1997... Read More
When was the last time that you truly took a... Read More
Why Stress Management programmes don't work?It seems that every week... Read More
The future is nothing but a fantasy or a daydream,... Read More
Stress Management |