MANAGING STRESS:

 

STRESS: We hear or say this word every day - sometimes, numerous times a day. Stress has become the culprit for countless problems. If we are sick, tired, irritable, and/or depressed, we attribute it to stress. If we act irresponsibly, have relationship problems, misuse food, alcohol, etc., we attribute it to stress. There is no doubt, we live in a world in which there are many demands on our time and energy. There is no doubt that stress can adversely affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. However, isn't it just possible that we have become conditioned to believe we have no control over stress? Isn't it just possible that we have, unknowingly become "victims" of stress? Isn't it just possible that this very belief creates even more stress?

The first step toward dealing with stress in a healthy way is to recognize that we always have choices, even though sometimes this is truly difficult to recognize. When we identify "self-created stress" (which I like to refer to as "unnecessary suffering"), we will begin to see where choice comes in to play. Managing stress requires reflecting on one's lifestyle, setting priorities, and making the necessary changes or accepting the choices we've made without feeling victimized by them.

The most important way to reduce, as well as manage stress, is to develop the practice of living in the present moment. In reality, the only thing of which we can be sure is each present moment. This requires quieting the busy and noisy mind. It is very easy to live in a constant state of fear by worrying about the near or distant future. The most control we have of the future is to live fully in the present. Too often, we put ourselves through the emotions directed at a future that may or may not happen. This creates a lot of "unnecessary suffering". In order to live in the present, it is required that we take many moments to consciously breathe, feel ourselves solidly grounded within our body, and be aware of our surroundings. One way of starting this practice is in the car. Be present to the actual act of driving rather than focusing on the destination and/or what needs to be done upon arrival.

Living in the present, quieting the mind, and learning to "be" will make it easier to make time for yourself. There will never be enough time if we don't make the time to care for ourselves no matter how busy we may be. Too often, we humans are afraid of silence, yet without it there will be no true rest. The greatest source of rest and replenishment is to connect with our deepest self and listen to our inner voice of truth and inner wisdom.

The following are some practical suggestion for reducing and managing stress:

JUDY MARTONE PELUSO is a certified Spiritual Healer & Counselor who has been a spiritual guide & teacher for 40 years. She has been in private practice for over 25 years. Judy believes the integration of Body, Mind, and Spirit is necessary for deep personal growth as well as for building a society based on Integrity, Love, Compassion, Simplicity, and the Acceptance of all beings. Her services include: Holistic Psychotherapy, Grief and Bereavement Counseling, Energy Healing, Shamanism, and Massage Therapy. As an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church, Judy also is licensed to perform Marriages, Civil Unions, Baptisms (Celebration of New Life), and Funerals.

Offices in New Haven and Bloomfield. 203 468-1600 (24hr. voicemail) E-Mail: judypeluso@comcast.net.