STRESS: A MATTER OF CHOICE
The Greek word ” anchos ” which means stress, comes from the verb ancho, which in ancient greek means constrict or strangle. The above is consistent with my belief that stress is basically a state of mind that unfortunately affects our body, strangling it with ” toxic ” hormones and tightening each and every muscle of it. I have lived long periods of stress, I suffered from severe panic attacks, having felt that ” strangling ” effect for more than two lives. That’s why maybe I firmly believe that stress or inner peace is a spiritual situation that everyone controls for oneself. Personally, I managed to get rid of anxiety, panic attacks and fears in a purely spiritual and lonely journey. Anxiolytics and psychotherapy for me are just temporary solutions to a problem whose solution lies in our way of thinking. I do not reject the two above, I just say that they have nothing to offer to a person who hasn’t decided to help himself, that has learned to have no confidence and to bombard his brain and body with negative thoughts. The quote in the foto, reveals that the key word here is «choose». Thought by thought, if we can choose to be more positive and relaxed, we will soon find ourselves with far fewer problems (mentally and physically). In the modern world, with no time for ourselves, with scarce fresh air, little contact with nature, no plugging-off computers, phones and tablets, we have to take daily breaks of peace, pleasure and joy, so as to to live better, free from the constant stress which has become a pretty common phenomenon!
If I could give you a few practical tips, they would be:
— Sleep well. A good night sleep is essential for clear thinking and a strong body. If you find it difficult to sleep at night, or suffer from insomnia, do not hesitate to try a herbal food supplement such as valerian or passiflora, beacuase they are side effects free and do not cause or addiction. But stay alert and make sure you empty your thoughts like a bucket full of dirty water every day before bed. Your goal must be is that one day you will sleep like a baby, with no pills at all!
— If you are living an overall stressful period in your life, like a new job, a separation, a relocation or excessive workload, rhodiola, as a food supplement, will definitely help you cope with the new situation. I have given this particular plant to a really close friend, and we saw such a big improvement in his stamina and behaviour!
— Do not watch the news on TV. The radio or the internet, where the news haven’t got the pompous or terrifying sprinkling of television, are admittedly more stress free!
— If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and going through hard times, do not take any dietary supplement, rather than consult your doctor and even better consult yourself.
— All these herbal anti-stress food supplements, are not ment to be taken along with chemical anxiolytics.
— You should also be aware that herbal supplements such as valerian, passiflora and rodiola need 1-2 weeks to deliver better results.
— You can take these herbal food supplements for as long as needed. For me, however, they must be taken to relief stress and allow us to find inner peace in a mental way, so that nothing from then and on can destroy our well being.
— Find what really relaxes you after a busy day and do it as often as possible. Is it a short walk, a phone call with a loved one, a hug or kiss, a luxurious bubble bath with essential oils? Whatever it is make it happen on daily basis!
Imagine a world where people are more human, happier and less stressed. A world where people discuss politely, walk gracefully and live happily. This is how we are all worth living…Here’s to our success!
foto credits: recitethis.com
Kakia Kaffa (kakia@arnica.gr)