9 simple but effective steps to stress-free living

13 years ago the bottom fell out of my world or so I thought after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) an autoimmune disease. When I was diagnosed I knew very little about MS and my only thoughts at the time were that I would inevitably become disabled and end up in a wheelchair. Roll on to the present day and I am the fittest and healthiest I have ever been.
 
After I was diagnosed I went through a very brief period of tears, followed by “chin up” what can I do to safeguard myself against the symptoms of the disease as much as possible. I undertook a lot of research and one thing that consistently surfaced was that symptoms of MS are exacerbated by stress. In fact, stress affects the body’s ability to fight any disease.
 
How do you reduce the amount of stress in your life when you are living with an unpredictable illness? I slowly recognised that I had a choice, whilst I cannot control all the stressors, what I am able to control is how I react, once I realised this the whole game changed.

I began to make changes to my life and today I am the fittest and healthiest I have ever been.
 
Here are my 9 simple steps to help you on your way to a stress-free life.

Positive Mantra
Create your very own positive mantra for your mind, something meaningful and unique to you.  It should take you to a place of mindful, peace and calm, where you can go and be uplifted at any time, particularly when you sense any feelings of negativity or stress.
 
Choose positivity
It may seem obvious, but surround yourself with positive people or those who bring positive messages into your life. For those who bring negativity and ego, elect to steer clear of them. For those whom you are unable to avoid, spend a minimum amount of time with them, it might sound harsh but it is important.
 
Managing stressful situations
If there is a potentially stressful situation on the radar, gauge what is in your control. If it is in your control take action to alleviate or remove any stress. If the situation is out of your control anticipate letting go of any stress without a second thought.  Meditation and visualisation of the outcome that you want is also powerful for creating a sense of peace and calm.
 
Practice an ‘attitude of Gratitude’
It can be easy to forget all the wonderful things that we do have to be grateful for especially when we are not feeling physically optimal. Maintaining a positive attitude will soon become second nature.  Being thankful for all the wonderful things you do have in your life supports a positive state of mind. Practice, what I like to call, an attitude of gratitude.
 
Know your boundaries
Start to recognise the impact and detrimental effect that negative emotions such as anger and frustration have on your mind, body and your environment, including those around you.  If someone steps beyond your boundaries, indeed make a stand for yourself but try to do it graciously so as not to provide more negative energy to these already negative emotions.
 
Practice an open mind
As cliché as it may sound I always seek the positive. If something happens that is negative I look for what can I learn. If I am unable to grasp the immediate learning I park it and think perhaps it was not my learning or maybe one day the lesson will become clear to me and then I move on. Take the time to really explore your thinking and mindset, which ultimately leads to your behaviour and actions. The way we think directs the way we behave.
 
Keep moving
I practice the principle of ‘use it or lose it through exercise and I absolutely love outdoor running for my mind, body and soul.  Do something daily, whether it’s a walk or something more energetic that keeps you moving. Find your own activity that you enjoy which allows you to ‘use it or lose it’.
 
Develop your sense of humour
There is humour to be found in almost anything.  This requires cultivating an open and playful mind, as long as it is not at the expense of others have fun practicing.
 
We have a choice
Whilst we cannot control all of life’s stresses, what we can control is how we react, therefore choose wisely.
 
If the idea of reducing your stress levels excites or entices you and you would like some support on how you can introduce this into your life email enquiry@pragmaticacoaching.com to book a consultation.