Your alarm screams in your ears, and you are jolted out of a deep sleep. You look at the clock on your nightstand in utter disbelief. “But I just lay down!” you protest.
After you slide out of your cozy cocoon, your feet hit the floor—running. Frantically, you remind yourself not to forget to pay the mortgage, update your ex about the parent-teacher meeting, and call a plumber about the dripping bathroom faucet. Then, you bolt to the kitchen, practically tripping over your Labradoodle, Isabelle, as you beeline toward your coffee maker.
Sound familiar? For many of us, in today’s fast-paced world, chronic rushing is a way of life. Of course, being productive is admirable; however, making a lifestyle out of rushing is quite another story. Chronic “hurrying” becomes problematic when we feel uncomfortable slowing down…and don’t take breaks to recharge.
In your own life, do you find that it’s often difficult to slow down during the day? If so, then you may be experiencing the “Inner Pusher/Do-er” part of yourself taking over. Unfortunately, for some people, when this high-achieving part becomes too domineering, it can create stress-related health challenges.
I remember, as a kid, hearing my mother say many times that she hadn’t stopped or sat down—all day long. She was a stay-at-home mom who kept the house absolutely spotless. However, she paid a high price health-wise for her inability to stop, take some nice deep breaths, and recharge. Mom’s blood pressure stayed extremely high for several years. Unfortunately, medication didn’t solve her health problem.
Being in a chronic state of rushing can create anxiety and bring on fight-or-flight responses. In this hyper-alert state, our minds and bodies make us feel as though “saber-toothed tigers” are chasing us. As a result, stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, are released.
I, too, have a strong “Inner Pusher/Do-er” part—that loves to achieve. Thank goodness, back in my college years, I learned how to meditate. As a result, meditation helped me create more internal balance. And now, I have been a meditator for over two decades…and I’m grateful for this peaceful practice.
When I first became a meditator and got a taste of some of the benefits, I suggested my mom consider trying it. As a result of learning to meditate and practicing every day, her high blood pressure went down substantially. My mom’s doctor asked her if anything had changed in her life. She told him the only change was that she was meditating twice a day.
Over the last thirty years, more than one thousand studies exploring the effects of meditation have been reported in scientific publications. Brain scans, EEGs, and blood tests are only a few of the scientific research methods used. These studies provide evidence of the physical and psychological benefits of meditation.
Potential Benefits of Meditation:
• Reduced stress-related diseases (including heart disease)
• Lowered blood pressure
• Decreased anxiety & depression
• Increased concentration & creativity
• Improved coordination & motor skills
Meditation invites us to calm the tensions of our minds and bodies by learning how to slow down and let go. In my book, Stress Reduction Journal—Meditate and Journal Your Way to Better Health, I teach readers, step-by-step, how to meditate.
The good news is, by breaking the cycle of a continual doing mode, you can gently relax into a being mode that honors the present moment. Finally, if you’re ready to receive practical tools to help you “get your ZEN on”—and reduce stress—then call me for a private session or sign-up for one of my workshops or groups.
Trina’s Upcoming FUN & Empowering Events:
1) “The ZEN of Sketching,” for details go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com and click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.” Join her for this CREATIVE FUN!
2) Guided Imagery for Weight Loss: INSPIRING groups are now forming! Receive holistic, leading-edge tools (based on 30 years of research) while getting heartfelt support from Trina. Get ready to “lighten up,” from the inside out—after all, belly laughs DO burn calories! Email for details: info@TrinaSwerdlow.com
3) Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—a one-evening workshop for women and men—at John Muir Women’s Health Center in Walnut Creek: Thursday, Oct 16, 6:30-8:30 pm. Fee: $40 (includes self-hypnosis for weight loss: 2-CD set). Register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3.
Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an author and artist. She has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.
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