milestone moments: You: Stress Less... Stress-management technique 5

THE SOFTER SIDE

65. TALK IT OUT

when it comes to reducing the effects of stress and depression, the biggest cure may not in in a pill bottle, but in making sure you don't stay bottled up yourself
talks therapy probably works through the release of feel-good chemicals, including the bonding hormone oxytocin
even just talking about your problems with your spouse, friends, or a taxi driver can help
since women tend to speak much more than men, they may get a much larger brain chemical boost from hashing things out

66. USE GUIDED IMAGERY

a way of making your feel better
improves the ability to cope with depression, improve mood and decrease stress
how do you do it?

go to a quiet place
start by relaxing and breathing deeply (your belly button should move out when you breathe in, and go toward your spine when you exhale)
then visualize yourself in different scenarios

if you're in pain, visualize the spot of pain. Follow the nerve from that spot to the center of your mind. Ask your body if you can take control of that pain, and visualize the way that would happen.

67. THINK ABOUT YOUR PURPOSE

there are some chemical and biological foundations for the feeling of soul-level satisfaction that comes with finding your own "it"

one theory = oxytocin, a hormone that elevated in women after childbirth, also makes you feel a sense of community and pleasure within your family, during religious experience, or when you have an epiphany about your existence

another hypothesis = your sense of self-esteem and well-being is influenced by the chemical nitric oxide

traits such as hopefulness and optimism are associated with the release of nitric oxide through the body
the release of nitric oxide help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress

really take some time to think about what drives you and what your passions are. It's your deeper drive - the drive to fill the needs of your soul. The more you can align your daily activities with them, the calmer and more satisfied you'll feel.

You Stress Management Plan

milestone moments