15 Great Tips to Overcome Stress

Live a stress-free life

Stress is considered to be any physical or emotional factor that causes physical or mental restlessness. Physical factors include trauma, infection, toxins, disease, and injury of any kind.

The emotional causes are numerous and varied. While many people associate “stress” with psychological stress, scientists and doctors use this term to denote any force that impairs the stability and balance of bodily functions.

Stress is a major cause of heart disease, ulcers, hypertension, and psychological illnesses. Stress at work further contributes to absenteeism, poor performance, decreased problem-solving ability, increased accidents, and cases of addiction. Therefore, it is very important to reduce stress.

However, not all types of stress are unfavorable. A slight degree of stress can sometimes be beneficial, especially when undertaking a project where it will increase focus, strength, endurance, and alertness.

It is only when stress is oppressive or poorly managed that its negative effects appear. An important goal for those under stress is to manage the stresses of life. It is impossible to completely eliminate stress and it would not be advisable to do so. Instead, one can learn to manage stress so that there is control over one’s physical and mental health.

The events that cause stress are often called stressors, which cover a wide range of situations, from a simple school exam to difficult business projects.

Physically, in response to stressful situations, the nervous system will be activated. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands, which in response will produce more adrenaline and cortisol hormones, releasing them into the blood. The result will be an irregular and faster heartbeat, shallow and rapid respiratory cycles, increased blood pressure, and increased metabolism. This, in turn, will prepare the person to react more quickly and effectively, improving performance. However, in the long run, stress will create various physical and psychological illnesses.

Energetically, stress activates the solar plexus chakra, which is located in the soft hollow area between the ribs. Activation of the Solar Plexus chakra can increase courage, boldness, perseverance, and strength, however, its excessive long-term activation affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, as well as the Heart Chakra which can lead to heart disease or Meng Mein Chakra which can cause high blood pressure; it can also cause arthritis, kidney disease, and even depression.

 

There are several ways that can help control stress.

1. Do deep abdominal breathing

Stress changes the breathing pattern to tense, shallow, rapid cycles; whereas the natural way to breathe is deep abdominal breathing, which also has calming effects. Therefore, you can reduce stress by bringing your breathing pattern back to relaxing, deep abdominal breaths. It is also advisable to draw attention to the nostrils and the air by touching the nostrils while breathing in and out to further calm the mind.

Taught by Master Choa Kok Sui in his book “Miracles through Pranic Healing”, deep abdominal breathing will allow the body to absorb a tremendous amount of vital energy or Prana, which will energize the entire body.

 

2. Start questioning yourself

Stress is basically an emotional impulse and stimulates the emotional body; therefore, one of the fastest ways to control stress is to raise consciousness, to the mental body. The mental body is the medium of thought and is one level above the emotional body; therefore, any emotional disturbance can be controlled by making the mental body function. This can happen through thought.

So start questioning yourself.

Ask questions like: Why am I stressed? Is it necessary to be stressful or am I exaggerating? How intense is my problem? What are the ways to control the situation? Who can help me overcome this problem?

 

As you ask each question of yourself, think carefully about the answers. Before you even notice, your stress is reduced to a great extent.

 

3. Remember a happy event or share some love

As discussed earlier, stress lodges in the solar plexus chakra.

The solar plexus chakra is the center of lower positive and negative emotions; the Heart Chakra, on the other hand, is the center of higher emotions, such as mercy and compassion. Actually, the Solar Plexus Chakra and the Heart Chakra are the second pair of complementary opposites, as explained in the book “The Spiritual Essence of Man” by Master Choa Kok Sui. This means that the solar plexus chakra can be regulated by activating the heart chakra. This means that in order to reduce stress, the Solar Plexus Chakra must be inhibited, and this can happen by activating the Heart Chakra.

The Heart Chakra can be activated by remembering a happy event. Spend a few minutes, close your eyes, and remember some events from the past that made you happy. Smile.

If visualization is a difficult task for you, share some love with the people around you. Give someone an unexpected hug, compliment someone, play with your pets, call a friend, or even read a funny story. These activities will sufficiently activate your heart chakra and, as a result, reduce stress.

 

4. Listen to calm, relaxing music

Soft, soothing music has a calming effect on the emotional body. Today, soft music is being used by music therapists to improve a large number of health problems.

Since a sudden noise can create irritation or a high level of alertness, slow, soothing music lowers the heart rate and therefore creates a calming effect. Therefore, this type of music can be used to induce a sense of relaxation and help free the mind from stress.

It is recommended by music therapists to make music a part of life, such as listening to soft music while eating or even in the morning before starting your daily work.

 

5. Pray or meditate

Simply by praying, you allow a great deal of divine energy to enter your system from the Coronary Chakra, which helps control your unregulated thoughts and emotions. It also shifts your consciousness to higher vibrations, where stress is no longer perceptible.

Meditation is another simple way to control stress. Try meditating daily for about 20 minutes, especially if you are under stress.

There are many types of meditations, intended for different purposes, from simple concentration techniques to awakening Kundalini energy and so on.

One of the simple but powerful meditation techniques taught by Master Choa Kok Sui is the Twin Hearts Meditation, which aims to achieve cosmic consciousness or enlightenment, as well as peace.

The practice of the Twin Hearts Meditation basically activates the Heart and Crown Chakras, and as a result creates a sense of peace, calm, and happiness.

It also increases intuition. If you don’t know how to meditate or pray, don’t do anything. Take a few minutes, open the window and let the fresh air in, sit or lie down and take a break from life. Give your mind some time to relax and just let yourself go.

 

6. Use self-healing techniques

In cases of stress, the Solar Plexus Chakra becomes erratic and full of tense energy or stress, said Master Choa Kok Sui. The crown and ajna chakras are also partially affected.

If you know any self-healing techniques, such as Pranic Healing, it is advisable to clear the stress energy from the Solar Plexus Chakras and inhibit the overactivated Solar Plexus Chakras. Cleanse and activate the Heart Chakra to further reduce stress.

The Ajna, Crown, Throat, and Basic chakras must also be treated. Spending about 10 to 15 minutes on self-healing will greatly reduce stress and create a sense of peace.

 

7. Don’t let the energy of stress build up, take a saltwater bath

The energy of stress can build up if not dealt with immediately, which in the long run leads to various physical and psychological illnesses, such as heart disease, hypertension, and even addictions.

 

Bathing in salt water regularly is one of the simple ways to clear the energy of stress from the system. It cleanses the energy body and gradually strengthens the body and its defense system.

Although this treatment seems simple, it is very effective. “After cleansing your body with soap and water, rub your entire body gently with fine salt. Then wash off after about a minute or two.” (Master Choa Kok Sui, 2006, p. 227)

 

8. Avoid being with stressful people and in stressful environments

The energy of the people we interact with and the places we visit can basically affect us to some extent. Sometimes being in a stressful environment can make you tense. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid being with negative people and in stressful environments, as your energy field can be contaminated.

If certain activities also increase your stress, such as listening to nightly news, watching horror movies, or listening to gossip, learn to minimize your participation in such activities.

However, if the situation is unavoidable, simply crossing your arms if the front of your chest can protect you from the negative influences of the surrounding environment to some extent.

 

9. List your tasks, prioritize them

We often get stressed because we think we have too much work to do and feel overwhelmed. Therefore, writing down tasks and prioritizing them can help you see the big picture and manage your time more effectively.

In fact, being organized can help you break down responsibilities into manageable tasks.

If there are some tasks where you can get help from other people, just ask. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Remember that you can ask for help.

 

10. Learn to forgive

Don’t expect too much from yourself and others. Accept the fact that we are all human beings and we all make mistakes; mistakes are part of evolution and nobody is perfect. So let go of anger and resentment toward other people and, more importantly, toward yourself. Guilt adds pain to stress.

Learn to forgive and free yourself from negative energies.

 

11. Get out in nature regularly

Being in nature has a similar effect to listening to calm, soothing music; it basically calms the emotions. It can help us to have a sense of identity that is uplifting and, in fact, promotes the inner happiness that we all seek.

Simply looking at nature and its vibrant colors can be healing. Based on several studies, looking at nature can improve the conditions of hospitalized patients. The benefits include less stress, lower blood pressure, fewer headaches, and improved health.

 

12. Exercise

Physical exercises, especially Hatha Yoga, play an important role in reducing stress by relaxing tense muscles and releasing endorphins, adrenaline, and chemicals that provide a sense of well-being.

Therefore, set aside time for at least 20 minutes of exercise daily.

 

13. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is a simple way to energize and refresh the mind. Sufficient sleep helps fuel your mind and also your body.

When your mind is tired, your performance drops to a substantial level, which further increases your stress. So get enough sleep.

 

14. Watch your diet

If your body is healthy and well-nourished, your ability to cope with stress will increase. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to your diet.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast. This will keep your energy up throughout the day.

Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar intake.

Drink plenty of water. If your body is dehydrated, this will cause headaches that increase stress.

As much as possible, avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. While they may seem like the first options for providing temporary stress relief, in the long run they only make the situation worse by further contaminating the Solar Plexus Chakras, as well as the liver, lungs, and internal organs.

 

15. Learn to say no

Pay attention to your limits. You cannot do everything that is asked of you. You always have the option to say no.

In your family life, as well as in your professional life, refuse to accept tasks and responsibilities beyond your capabilities. Taking on responsibilities beyond what you can control usually causes stress.

If you think you can’t handle a task or responsibility, don’t simply promise it. Learn to say no.

 

 

 

 

References

How to relieve stress. (WL.). Retrieved from WikiHow: http://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Stress

Master Choa Kok Sui. (1999). Practical Psychic Self Defense for Home and Office. World Foundation for Pranic Healing.

Master Choa Kok Sui. (2000). Pranic psychotherapy. World Foundation for Pranic Healing.

Grand Master Choa Kok Sui. (2003). The Spiritual Essence of Man. Institute for Internal Studies.

Master Choa Kok Sui. (2006). Miracles Through Pranic Healing: Practical Manual on Energy Healing. Philippines: Publication Foundation of the Institute of Internal Studies.

Reconnecting with nature reduces stress and awakens the spirit. (WL.). Retrieved from Life as a Human: http://lifeasahuman.com/2010/mind-spirit/inspirational/reconnecting-with-nature-reduces-stress-and-awakens-the-spirit/

Stress. (WL.). Retrieved from Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/stress.html

Stress management. (WL.). Retrieved from Helpguide: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm

Stress Management Health Center. (WL.). Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot?page=3

The benefits of enjoying nature. (WL.). Taken from Natura lMedicine: http://suite101.com/article/the-benefits-of-enjoying-nature-a54593

Matter posted and translated by Claudia Flöricke with permission from PranaWorld.net