Closing the Stress Cycle

Not all stress is equal.

Some stress is good stress. It turns on us though when our ‘eustress’ which refers to positive stress becomes distress where there is a negative effect on our lives. When you look at your own life, are there examples where you consider stress to be a positive? Perhaps it’s starting a new job, purchasing your first home, or preparing for a wedding. Alternatively, stress can become a negative when you go through a breakup, experience financial hardship, and the list could go on.

In essence, stress occurs when there is an imbalance between a challenge and the resources you have to deal with it so how can your body complete the stress cycle and regain harmony in your life?

Move

Physical exercise through intentional movement can shift the stressful and anxious energy that is growing in your body. It has been proven that exercise in any form is a stress reliever.

seek safety

Seek comfort from a trusted person. According to research, a long, intentional hug for 20 seconds will trigger the release of oxytocin, which has been called the feel-good or love hormone. Oxytocin is able to regulate our emotional responses and help us process and positively communicate.

rest

Rest can be in the form of a good night’s sleep which will help our body and minds repair itself. Rest can also come in the form of mindfulness and deep breathing. Find a moment to breathe in slowly for five seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and exhale for 10 seconds. This calming breathing exercise can calm down your vagus nerve and complete the stress cycle.

There are several workshops and materials within our self-guided journeys that can help bring more ease into your life and alleviate the distress that can come with our daily lives.