5 Simple Steps to Squash Your Stress

5 Simple Steps to Squash Your Stress
by Noah St. John

Stress is caused by a lack of perceived control. The more control we perceive we have in our lives, the less stress we feel.

That's one reason that the major life changes bring about the most stress. For example: getting married, buying a new home...

Wow, I'm doing both of those in the next 65 days. No wonder this is on my mind :)
With any life change, we often feel a loss of perceived control. The bigger the change, the more loss of perceived control, the greater the stress.

So here are 5 simple steps to squash your stress:

1. Use AFFORMATIONS.
Afformations are empowering questions you can use to lower your stress immediately.
For example, Afformations like:
"Why am I so calm?"
"Why am I so confident?"
"Why did everything work out better than I thought?"
These empowering questions cause your mind to search for answers - which effectively switches on your internal stress-relief button.

2. Install your Introspection System.

Like your house and your body, your life and business are made up of SYSTEMS that must operate effectively for you to lower your stress. Installing your Introspection System means you make the time to do things like meditate, journal, walk in nature every day. You want to make sure that the ladder of success you're climbing is leaning against the right wall.

3. Rate yourself from 1-10.

Let's say a really stressful event would be a 10 on a 10 scale - things like the major life changes I listed above. The problem is, we often act as if getting dinner ready were a 10! Next time you feel stressed, ask yourself, "What am I right now?" Rate yourself from 1-10, 10 being "Stressed out of my gourd." Then, ask yourself if the situation really warrants that kind of reaction. The BEST way to do this with a spouse or accountability partner.

4. Find Your No.
A lot of stress comes from over-committing. Remember that time you said yes when you really wanted to say no? That's called added stress. Next time someone asks you to do something you don't really want to do, just notice it. Then learn to say no with a smile. Saying no is like a muscle. You can build it with time and practice.

5. Finally... Breathe!
This sounds so simple, and it is. Sometimes we forget to breathe!
The healthiest way to breathe to lower stress is:
1. Breathe in through your nose.
2. Hold for 3-5 seconds.
3. Blow out through your mouth.

Try it right now. You will feel better instantly.
The health benefits of proper breathing are well-documented: better respiratory function, more balanced nervous system, healthier digestive system, even younger-looking skin. And of course, just think of the alternative :-)