Guest article from alisonbremner.com

In today’s world it can seem like there is too much to get done with not enough time to do it.Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Do you ever feel like the world is crashing down on you? When you are in this state, your brain is in what doctors call a chronic “fight or flight” or sympathetic state. In this state your body can’t heal or be in a place of balance. When you have these feelings of being overwhelmed, it can seem impossible to overcome, however there are some simple steps you can implement to ease this feeling.  

 

#1 Exercise

This can seem like such a simple tip. Many times when we are stressed we feel like there is no time to exercise. When I say exercise, this can be as simple as a 30 minute walk. The reason why exercise is so important is because humans are designed to move. Our bodies aren’t meant to sit and be indoors. When we get movement everyday, our blood gets moving and more oxygen circulates in our bodies. This helps with healing and detoxification. Exercise also releases endorphins which will naturally decrease your stress and improve your mood.  

 

#2 Meditation

Meditation is so simple, but can be very hard for people, especially for those with an overactive mind. Have you ever tried to sit down and meditate but all you can think of is your problems and chores? I know! This used to happen to me all the time. Luckily I found this amazing app called “Insight Timer.” These are short guided meditations that focus on breathing and relaxation. The other great feature of this app is that you are able to choose what kind of meditations you want to do (i.e. sleep, happiness, anxiety) and the length of the session. Just five minutes a day can drastically and positively affect your mood and help you become more focused.

 

#3 Connection With Positive Family Members or Friends

We tend to isolate ourselves when we are feeling overwhelmed, likely because we want to act like we have everything together and nothing is wrong. However, this is a BIG mistake! All of the research regarding what makes people truly happy has discovered that social connections are the most important factor. There is a wonderful documentary called “Happy” that uncovers this fact. When you are feeling down and significantly stressed, it is important to connect with friends and family that support you. The one thing to remember is that you need to connect with positive, supportive people. You don’t want to get together with someone and talk about how terrible things are. If you just complain back and forth, this tip can actually have the opposite effect on your health. Think of someone that instantly brings a smile to your face when you see them. If you can’t think of anyone, then now is a great time to find some new friends or a support group.

 

These are three tips you can implement yourself, however if you’re really struggling and feel like you need some outside help, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. A professional might be just what you need to get your life back on track.

  Remember that YOU ARE ENOUGH and you have the power to change your life and start living the life you truly desire!

If you enjoyed this article please visit www.alisonbremner.com for more health tips and support on your journey back to balance and health.  

Yours in Health,

Dr. Alison Bremner

Photo via Unsplash