During our time today,
We're going to take a bit of an unconventional approach to relieving stress.
We're not going to alleviate the stress completely.
We're just going to knock it down a notch or two so you can find that sweet spot,
That right level of stimulation for yourself.
So let's begin by taking a few breaths.
And on the exhale,
Just breathe out a little longer and sigh it out.
Breathe in.
And as you breathe out,
Just sigh it out.
And as you breathe out,
Sigh it out.
Breathe enough so that you begin to feel just a bit more centered.
And now,
Call to mind the thought,
The one thought in particular,
That is causing the most stress right now.
Next,
Notice,
As you're thinking of this thought,
On a scale from 1 to 10,
What is the level of stress you're experiencing because of this thought?
Just notice and give it a number now,
From 1 to 10.
Now that you've noticed where your stress level currently is while thinking this stressful thought,
You're going to reach for a more peaceful thought,
One that will relieve your stress by one or two points only.
So go ahead and reach for that more peaceful thought.
If you have trouble reaching for a peaceful thought,
You can use a few of my own more peaceful thoughts,
Which include,
I'll know what to do when the time comes.
We'll figure this out.
And one of my favorites,
I only have to solve the problems of today.
And as you try on and repeat that more peaceful thought,
Just notice what level you're at now,
On a scale from 1 to 10.
Has choosing a more peaceful thought reduced the level of your stress?
If you like,
You can continue to do so.
If you like,
You can continue with your one more peaceful thought or choose others that feel even more peaceful and bring you down to a level of stress that feels more productive.
Anytime you find yourself becoming more stressed and overstimulated,
You reach for the peaceful thoughts that you found today.
Repeating them again and again is necessary to drop you back into that sweet spot of flow and action.
Knowing that stress is here to support us by giving us the energy to make the changes we need in our lives.
Open your eyes if they were closed and go about your day.
More peaceful thoughts be with you.
