Are you feeling stressed this holiday season?
First things first. If you are stressed, know that you are not alone. Stress impacts everyone. It happens when we experience pressure or a situation that exceeds our ability to cope. It’s also one of the main sources of wear-and-tear on our spirits, minds, bodies, and relationships.
In the United States, the most common sources of stress include work, money, the current political climate, the future of the nation, violence, and crime.
Guess which ones are the most common among adults?
Here’s how the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2017 Stress in America survey answered the question.
- #1 – The Future of the Nation, 63% of adults (specific issues include health care – 43%, economy – 35%, trust in government – 32%, crime and hate crimes – 31%, terrorist attacks – 30%, high taxes – 28%, social security – 26%, and government controversies and scandals – 25%
- #2 – Money, 62% of adults
- #3 – Work, 61% of adults
- #4 – Current Political Climate, 57% of adults
- #5 – Violence and Crime, 51% of adults
Read the 2017 Stress in America survey here.
When you experience stress, use my S-T-R-E-S-S tool to recharge yourself and practice mindful self-care.
S: Stop when you notice you are stressed out.
T: Take a moment to breathe deeply.
R: Reflect on what’s happening in your body, spirit, heart, and mind.
E: Energize yourself with deep breathing and/or mindful movement to release the stress.
S: Set an intention to practice mindful self-care.
S: Start where you are with a small step that allows you to practice mindful self-care.
Listen to the Thriving Mindfully Podcast episode for mindful self-care support and tips on how to outsmart stress with mindfulness and meditation.
Did you know journaling can help you slow down and outsmart stress with mindfulness? Listen to the Thriving Mindfully Podcast episode on mindful journaling to learn more.
Got a lot of household chores to do before you host family and friends in your home? Stressed out with it all? Gratitude could be your new stress-free BFF.
Check out what I had to say about using mindfulness to practice gratitude in your daily tasks in Medium’s Forge Magazine article,”How to Practice Gratitude While Cooking, Doing Laundry, and Commuting” by Claire Leaden.
Join me for the Winter Solstice Celebration on December 21st and Thriving Mindfully New Moon Circle on December 27th.
- Winter Solstice Celebration on December 21st from 8:30-10PM at Qi Kratom CBD Tea ($40)
- ONLINE Thriving Mindfully New Moon Circle on December 27th from 8-9:30PM ET ($30)
Ananda Leeke 