Listen to Your Thoughts and Feelings to Reduce Stress

How would I feel if someone could hear or see my thoughts. How would I feel if my thoughts were known by anyone besides God who knows my heart and mind? On pondering that thought, I realized I am not always comfortable with my own thoughts. I might push my fears, sadness, or anxiety to the back of my mind where they cause tension in my body. 

What can I do?

Start with awareness.Listen to a thought as it arises. If I don’t have time to address it, make a note of the thought or feeling.Ask myself if the thought or feeling is helpful for me.If it is not helpful, is there an action I need to take or do I need to reframe my thinking?What can I say to myself instead that would be more helpful? What we think in our minds and feel in our hearts will show in our words and body language.

Reduce body tension.

• Practice a shoulder shrug exercise for a quick release.
• Notice where you feel tension in your body.
• You can start with a body scan if you are comfortable in your body.
• You can ground yourself by feeling your feet on the floor, your seat in your chair, your arms hanging or touching something, your back, neck, face, and head.
• Tense and release each muscle in your body starting with your face down to your feet.
• There are many exercises and strategies you can do by yourself, with a partner or a professional to release body tension. You can begin be noticing where you are feeling tension in your body.

• You may need to investigate where the tension is coming from. 
• Where were you when you began feeling tension? 
• What were you doing when you started feeling tense?

If tension has built up over time, you may not know when it started or where it came from. If you are feeling pain, depression, or intense anxiety, you may need to see a physician or therapist.

If you are experiencing tension from feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, everyday stress, a professional Life Coach or Mental Health and Wellness Coach might be able to help. If you are not managing your tension with the simple exercises here, you can schedule a 30-40 minute Discovery Appointment at no cost to you. Visit my website at www.nancyjmiller.com to learn more.