** Traumatic & Post-Traumatic Stress: 12 Tips For Extremely Stressful Times
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
"SUCCESS" IS GETTING UP ONE MORE TIME
As the dust settles, literally and figuratively, or new concerns arise, give yourself some room, and "tincture of time." Collect relaxation techniques that work within your own lifestyle and belief system. Healthy nutrition, pleasurable exercise, restful sleep, creative expression, bodywork, journaling and laughter, meditation and guided imagery often help restore balance.
EMPOWERING YOURSELF: 12 TIPS for EXTREMELY STRESSFUL TIMES
1) Cry when you need to...and laugh whenever you can.
Smiling sends a mind/body message that, "I must be ok--I'm smiling."
2) Find, (and give) comfort. Gentle touch helps us to feel grounded and connected.
3) Listen to your body-mind-spirit. Take control of areas where you can,e.g.nutrition and exercise,healthy activities, avoid excesses, limit sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Rest.
4) Remember that "normal" will take many forms.
5) Know when to turn off TV/Radio/Internet. Some feel safer by being very well-informed, but "information overload" is a risk too. Plan activities near bedtime that are soothing. Perhaps a warm bath, foot-rub, light snack, light reading, or quiet time with someone you care for.
6) Be alone when you need to, then balance with social support. Find ways to create meaning and to help in some way, volunteer, donate time, skills, resources or finances.
7) Write a "Comfort Letter" (One of my favorites!)
- Set a timer for 5 minutes.
- Write a letter to someone real or imagined, living or not, historical figure, spiritual guide, faraway friend ...
- (IMPORTANT: DO NOT SEND THE LETTER. It's just for you.)
- Scribble every worry out, asking for insight and comfort.
- "Ding!" Take 3 slow, cleansing breaths.
- Reset timer, now write a reply TO you, FROM the recipient.
You'll be amazed! Writing meditation helps us reconnect with our higher consciousness, intuition and to re-balance in stressful times.
8) Concentration may be "off," so pay extra attention to safety, driving. You might want to proofread work, but within reason--Cut yourself some slack if you make mistakes.
9) If you care for others, allow yourself time and space to experience your own feelings and heal, ensuring strength, stability and stamina to help others.
10) If you sense that you or another could benefit from talking with a skilled compassionate, healthcare professional, local hospitals, physicians or clergy are good starting places.
11) Try, as much as possible, to release the past...and the future...and Be Here Now. Mindfulness is the first principle of meditation for healing relaxation.
12) Listen to your intuition and be aware of your surroundings, then go about normal routine and activities as best you can. Routine is a comfort.
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com