GO, GO, GO!  Faster!  This way, that way!  Life pulls us in all different directions; sometimes we forget to appreciate where we are.  I recently noticed that I have been getting absurdly overwhelmed with the number of things I have on my plate; I can’t seem to say “No!”  In this world, having downtime is a blessing, something I haven’t been familiar with for quite some time.

So, I decided to do something about that way I was feeling.  Last week, I looked at yoga and how practicing that could help me find peace with myself and where I am.  I recall that I said I was going to update you on my progress with my yoga habits, but unfortunately, I have been too afraid to start.  I found that I was becoming more and more aware of the presence of my yoga mat in my room, just another item on my “To Do” list that I hadn’t addressed, so I put the yoga mat into my closet and decided that I would try and deal with my emotional block first.  Due to this setback, this week, I attended a seminar focused on the subject of how to deal with anxiety and stress in all aspects of life.  Here’s what I learned:

1. You are not alone

Yes, this is corny; no, it is NOT uncalled for.  I am the kind of person who thinks that I am invincible, that I can accomplish everything that needs to be done in a fast and efficient manner, and that I can surpass all expectations all the time.  Sounds like a lot to live up to, right?  Well, surprise!  It is.  Thankfully (I think?) I’m not the only one who has ever felt overwhelmed by this massive ideal.  Remembering that other people are feeling exactly that way I feel is both warming and concerning at the same time.  I would never wish for others to feel stressed or anxious, but at the same time, it makes me feel like part of a group; I feel “normal,” which is sometimes all you need.

2. You are not on anyone’s life schedule but your own

There is no set time frame in which you have to have something done!  You do NOT need to:

• Graduate high school by 18
• Graduate college by 22
• Get married by 25
• Buy a house by 27
• Have kids by 29
• Travel the world by 33
• Be a millionaire by 35

There are plenty of people in this world who haven’t done any of the aforementioned at all, but they are out there thriving, so there is certainly no timeline for any of these events.  Learn more about how your life doesn’t have a timeline here!

3. You need to tune into your thoughts

Watch where your mind wanders when these stressful times present themselves.  Are you able to change what is happening?  Can you do anything right now to affect the outcome?  If “No” is the most accurate answer to these questions, then acknowledging that there is nothing you can do in this moment may help to settle the storm that is brewing in your mind.  Try to find peace in that you can rest for now knowing there is nothing more you can do.  Here, a little meditation might come in handy.  If those thoughts are running rampant, try this 5 Minute Calming Meditation.  Don’t think you have five minutes?  Think again.

4. You can find relief in mindfulness practice

Be in this moment.  Find yourself exactly where you are.  Are you walking down the street?  Are you sitting in a chair?  Are you driving?  Are you running?  Feel your movements.  Take something that you ordinarily wouldn’t notice, and experience it with your full awareness.  How do your feet feel in your shoes?  How does the air feel?  Is it warm?  Comfortable?  Cold?  How do your hands feel?  Are you holding anything?  Okay, now shoulders, are they tight?  Are you tense?  When you are being mindful, this is not necessarily a time to change how you feel.  You don’t have to release tension or adjust the way you are sitting.  Being mindful means to acknowledge exactly where you are, and this doesn’t need to come with judgement.

5. You are not perfect

One of Hannah Montana’s greatest hits, “Nobody’s Perfect,” is an anthem that we should all live by.  Take into account that you’re not perfect, that you make mistakes, that everything doesn’t always go as planned.  The uncertainty is part of life, and it’s what keeps things interesting.  Embrace this uncertainty and imperfection, and let it guide you.  Stay on your toes, and be ready for what’s next, because what’s ahead just might change your life!  In case you forgot how the Hannah Montana’s song goes, check it out here, and remember, nobody’s perfect!

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with feeling stressed or anxious, but if you ever think that it’s too much for you to handle, don’t be afraid to reach out.  These are normal human feelings, and getting help is a brave, courageous move that you can make.  If you need immediate assistance, text CONNECT to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org for more information. 

Additionally, you can always reach out to me! Drop a comment below on what has you stressed out today, and let’s work through it.  Hopefully this coming week is the one where I finally start my yoga journey I mentioned in my last post!