SEE THE LIGHT THROUGH THE CLOUDS…

7 OTHER SUGGESTIONS
TO AVOID STRESS BUILDUP

1. Seize every opportunity to practice mindfulness. Commuting? Use the time to meditate. Driving? Instead of getting impatient during red lights get in touch with your breath and let go. Don’t lose your centre while waiting for appointments or while waiting in line. Every breath counts.

2. Avoid time-stress. Allow yourself plenty of time so you won’t feel rushed when going somewhere.

3. Each day is like a walk on a dirt road with lots of muddy potholes. You tense up to jump over a pothole; do you relax completely afterward? If not, the left-over tension builds up, and you might feel exhausted by the time you get home. Whether those potholes are tense phone conversations, unexpected demands, or worrisome emails, take a deep breath after each one and let go.

4. Check regularly that you are breathing from your belly. We all breathe from the diaphragm when sleeping, Babies do it all the time. It is relaxing.

5. Practice intentional optimism. If your mind enjoys creating worst-case scenarios, give it some lessons in positivity.

6. Notice that your heartbeat slows down as you breathe out. When we sleep, we breathe in quickly and breathe out slowly. Doing that consciously may make it easier to fall asleep.

7. Keep love in mind. If you are a teacher, that means love for your students; if in a helping profession, love for your clients. Stay with love at all times, love for yourself, and love as the default feeling for others. That was Buddha’s advice for overcoming stress and anxiety.

SOME FAVOURITE THICH NHAT HANH QUOTES

Thich Nhat Hanh lived in Vietnam during the war. He knew about stress first hand.
He found peace by practicing as a Buddhist. He knew peace intimately also.