How to Overcome Stress and Be Resilient! | Eileen Lichtenstein
© 2008-10 Eileen Lichtenstein, MS Ed., EFT-ADV.
It’s harder than ever in our fast paced and often chaotic world to stay focused and reach optimal productivity in our personal and professional lives- which include areas on the “wheel of life”: Relationships, family, recreation, self-development, health-wellness, career, financial, environment. I am a firm believer that personal and professional always overlap. It is a rare individual who can efficiently keep thoughts and emotions from the personal and professional realms separate all the time. Stress is a known health and time thief and it is cumulative. So, before it gets the better of you, do take time out and, even better when possible, take a vacation. Here is a “short list” of possibilities that can occupy time-outs.
• Be in nature- near a shore when possible- water has a calming effect
• Practice mindful deep relaxation breathing: in through the nose, abdomen expanding, out through the nose or mouth, abdomen deflating.
• Sit or lie down quietly
• Meditate – more about that later.
• Work out
• See a movie
• **Practice EFT**
• Play with pets
• Do Yoga, T’ai Chi or any moving meditation
• Listen to music
• Read a great book
**EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, aka “Tapping”), a “modality” mentioned above, is becoming popular as it can have a profoundly positive impact on your emotional and physical state in a very short time. I’m going to expand on that now, and there is lots of information on the internet about it. I have a very inclusive page about EFT, including videos, on my website as I am an advanced certified practitioner and use the modality via telephone, in person and with individuals and groups. The EFT page is at www.balanceandpower.com/eft.php.
Here is an excerpt: “Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as EFT/ Tapping, is the talk of the day. This amazing new discovery is based on the body’s energies and a simple statement that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the energy system. It may be explained as the modern version of acupuncture without the needles and acupressure without pain, used in conjunction with performance success coaching.” Any fear based issue or phobia is extraordinarily responsive to EFT. Often a “physical” problem presents itself, and with coaching and tapping, hidden aspects of fear are revealed which, when released through EFT, can facilitate a complete reversal.
As you may know, there is a strong mind-body connection to all our stress and that everyone responds differently to the same stressors. A case in point is witnesses to an act of war or an accident on the street. Stay in touch with your feelings and listen to your intuition. When you think it’s time for a relaxation/stress release break – you’re right!
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Now I will discuss a few points about meditation. The most important factors are to be motivated to meditate and to practice diligently when you’re not highly stressed. Meditation means “focus”. It helps us do just that by clearing the mind of thoughts and images – to give it a rest and to make room for creative ideas and “aha” moments.
While you are trying to meditate, thoughts inevitably arise. It is advisable to simply “notice” them as you would notice passing clouds in the sky. Then, let them go and onto the next moment. Meditation is totally about being in the moment (resting from constant mind chatter) in order to be refreshed and recharged when done with a session. Beginners may take a few minutes. It’s fine to take several smaller meditative breaks thoughout a day.
Your focus can be on
• your breath (described above in relaxation breathing)
• a visual spot (not a whole scene)
• a sound
• counting with the breath
• a mantra (personal phrase or syllables such as “inhale love, exhale negativity”)
It’s easy! The challenge is in keeping still and sustaining being in the moment with whatever your focus may be.
Eileen Lichtenstein, MS.Ed., EFT-ADV is a Keynote Speaker and Peak Performance Success Coach, Consultant-Trainer as well as the founder and CEO of Balance & Power, Inc. and Moving Meditation® Fitness. Her unique style blends mind-body modalities. Eileen Lichtenstein, MS.Ed., EFT-ADV is a Keynote Speaker, Seminar Leader, Peak Performance Success Coach and Consultant-Trainer. Her unique style blends mind-body modalities with traditional coaching-training competencies.
Eileen’s recent publication, “SOAR! with Resilience™”, is available on Amazon.com. When you sign up for her newsletter, you will receive a twenty minute download of guided relaxation and meditation from her audio program, Moving Meditation® Fitness.
Eileen’s website is at
Visit Eileen’s site to learn how to overcome stress and boost resilience. Oh, and don’t forget to keep visiting The Ultimate Stress Blog.
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