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| This is the picture that came up when I Googled Stress Cadet. Hmph, so that's what one looks like. |
"I'm stressed," I said.
"Do you have a lot of stress in your life?" she asked.
OF COURSE!, I thought. But... really, what?
I don't know that I have any more stress than any other person out there. My job provides an adequate amount of stress, but really, does anyone have a job that doesn't? I have a lot on my plate between my three jobs, family, friends, and other commitments, but so does everyone else. What am I so stressed out about? I'm in good health. The people around me are in good health. I have a roof over my head, I can pay my bills, and I haven't had any major traumas as of late. Where does the feeling of so much stress come from?
It comes from being a stress cadet.
I loathe being a stressed out person. I hate how I react to getting off my schedule, not getting things accomplished, and wasting time. I don't want to be stressed out because I really feel like it makes me feel less like myself. Additionally, it's not good for my health. Having an autoimmune disorder and a lot of stress is a terrible combination of suck. I certainly don't want to aggravate any conditions.
My doctor suggested yoga. Yoga feels torturous for me, because I don't know how to quiet my mind for more than 12 seconds at a time. I tried to meditate tonight while running on the treadmill, but it didn't work. At. All. So, I'm going to try yoga. I'm going to attempt to try some meditation and focus on calm. I know it sounds crazy, but I really think it might be a struggle for me. All the more reason to try, I suppose!
Yoga is very peaceful and relieves tons of stress. Just gotta go to your happy place and forget about all the stress in our lives.
ReplyDeleteA, You can't mediatate on a treadmill like you should. Your body is moving too much and you have to concentrate on not falling off! You need to get yourself comfortable on the floor. If your hamstrings are tight, put a small pillow or folded blanket under your bumm. If you want, you can lay flat on the floor with pillow or blanket under your knees. What I want you to do is put some soothing music on, (shut the tv off) light some candels and close your eyes. Now just focus on your breath. If your mind starts to wander...return it back to your breath...start focusing on how your breath feels in the body and how when you exhale, it relaxes your body. Take your exhale to be twice as long as your inhale...in your nose, out your nose. Then, start at the crown of your head and with every exhale feel your body relax...take it down to your jaw...relax...down to your shoulders...relax...all the way to your toes. YOU have the power to relax your mind and your body. Some days will be easier than others. I will practice with you!!! xo
ReplyDeleteAre you sure I have the power to relax my mind and body? It feels like my brain will never shut off! I tried tonight and made it about two minutes. Baby steps, right? Can we practice soon?
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice Janet! Angela, I swear I've become ADD in the last couple of years. I can't pray or anything without my mind wandering to a million different things. I have found that in Janet's Pilates class and the one Yoga/Pilates class I got to do on Thursday AM (can't wait to get back to it!) that I finally really do focus on what's happening in class and my body, breathing, etc. and my mind doesn't wander as much. Baby steps are a good place to start. I know you already drive far but think about joining her 5:45 AM class on Tuesday and/or Thursday. I think you'll really enjoy it. OH - and I was just thinking this morning how when I joined LFZ I told Janet I was going to run on the treadmill on Tuesday and Thursday mornings - I didn't need Pilates...I needed to burn calories. Now I look forward to those classes often times even more than Jazz class. I still love Jazzercising and the burn I get, but my body and mind are being strengthened, yet relaxed in Pilates. PLUS...we'd love to have you join us!! Thanks for being real and sharing yourself with us.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Annette! One of these mornings, I really will plan to get up early and come visit you. :) I need to change something in the routine to calm me. It can't hurt to try!
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with yoga. I know there are so many kinds, and power yoga may not be exactly what you're looking for, but yoga in itself is just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I love your comments!!! Thank you for sharing!! It does take time to train the mind just like it takes time to train your body for a marathon. One step at at time....
ReplyDeleteAngela, I can help you Thursday, around 4?
ReplyDeleteThat would be PERFECT! I'm going to try some yoga tomorrow morning (well, with the fabulous miracle that is On Demand cable), but trying with you will be MUCH better!
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