UNPLUGGING IS A CHOICE. WE CHOOSE OUR STRESS LEVELS!

Does it sound unlikely that we can choose our stress levels?  For years I have often felt like a passenger to the amount of stress I have endured.  Between career stresses, raising children, working on a marriage, managing financial demands, keeping to a tight schedule, working on extended family dynamics, etc, etc.  All of these things added a layer of stress to my life.  

We often take on additional things, due to guilt, obligation, to be a people pleaser, to escape time to sit and just be with our thoughts (usually when we don't want to think about issues that really do need our attention), etc.  In reality, we do have some choice in what stress we have in our life.  We may even at times sabotage ourselves creating more stress as this may feed a deeper need that we are not even aware of (In the case where we thrive on drama).

The number of clients I see with unimaginable stress in their life is actually quite concerning.  I do wonder at what point is breaking point in some cases.  But what if, we could do some simple things to start reducing our stress on a daily basis?  I have gradually started to strip back demands and influences I have put on myself for many years.  Recently, I have decided to stop watching so much negative television.  Instead, I choose to listen to the radio (ABC JJJ - no advertisements and none of the hype that the commercial stations have which I have found ramps my stress levels up more!!!).  If I don't like what is on the radio, I will choose my own music or maybe listen to a podcast.  In fact, now, if someone else has the television on in the background all the time, I feel it really starting to affect my stress levels.  The scare mongering that is cleverly disguised in much of what is on television is quite concerning.  Do a little experiment.  One evening, watch a commercial television news program, note how often violent footage will be shown on the same news story.  Often the same footage will be repeated over and over again whilst the audio is playing over the top of the news presenter.  Sometimes you will see the footage played up to 5 times.  Also note, the order in which news stories are presented.  Often the news stories that have the most sensational, scare mongering headline will rank higher than a serious world news issue.  It is actually offensive sometimes the order in which news stories are played.  After watching the commercial news, watch the ABC news.  The stark difference in the way it is presented and the order, even the footage used is testament to the way in which agendas can play a huge role in what the general public are shown on television.  All these little nuances have subliminal impacts on our stress levels and also our view of the world we live in.  I believe that some reporting breeds a lack of tolerance for others within our community due to the sheer biased way a news item is presented.

There are plenty of alternative things to watch if this is your preferred way to relax in a day.  Much more positive options such as health channels (FMTV is just one of these - currently offering a $1 subscription for 3 months), Netflix (choose carefully!), ABC IVIEW, etc.

All I am trying to do is raise awareness that these subtle influences on our stress levels actually to add up and add another layer of stress that we have the choice to eliminate.  How empowering is that?  Another issue I have come to realise is that with the amount of reality television now available, I believe this type of entertainment actually  normalises completely unacceptable behaviour.  The more this type of viewing is watched, the more that narcissistic, self absorbed behaviour is reinforced as ok.  It actually isn't, and it is having a huge impact on humanity and the way we interact with one another.

So do we have a choice in our stress levels?  I believe so.  The other thing to consider, is making time each day for ourselves and our wellbeing.  I know this is cliched and the flavour of the month at the moment, but this does actually impact in a positive way on our stress levels.  Making time for ourselves also works on our self worth.  How often I hear clients indicating guilt when i have this discussion with them.  It seems that in the society we live in, it is deemed selfish to look after ourselves.  Well, I can tell you that this is a very backward way of approaching things and if you are wanting to do the very best for your loved ones, then your cup needs to be full before you can start filling the cups of loved ones.

So start working on that stress and eliminating those things that easily can be.  Have the odd Bowen Therapy, Reflexology or Aromatouch session!!!!  Looking forward to seeing you soon, Dayna