Stress Tip Series - by Yvette K.

Introduction

Stress is a prevalent reality in our culture. Blamed as a health risk, commiserated over, and considered by many to be inevitable, “stressed out” is often accepted as a “normal” state of being.

Thanks to the loved ones closest to me, I realized more than 10 years ago that my levels of stress were not supporting me to be the Powerful, Balanced Diva I am destined to be. In just the past few years, thanks to the work of Athena Williams-Atwood, Owner of Work With Ease, Health Management Resources, and some of my spiritual friends along the way, I have started to practice being a joy-FULL person instead of a stress-FULL person.

I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on to my fellow Divas some of the things I have learned on my journey. I didn’t make any of this up – I got it all from wiser and more eloquent people, but I look forward to passing along what has worked for me in my own words and stories - and hearing about whether it works for you too!

Tip #1: BREATHE

Between Yoga classes, SCUBA diving certification, and the emphasis on breath in the Work With Ease Program, I have come to realize how much I take respiration for granted! We’re always breathing, and yet much of the time ONLY reflexively, to stay alive – not because in and of itself, breathing is a source of power, balance and joy.

The first tip is (I hope!) simple: Try to catch yourself breathing. Wherever you are today, take a moment to think “Ah-Ha! That was a shallow, quick breath!” Or, “Hmmmm, what I really need right now is a huge deep breath that lasts as long as I can comfortably make it…” When you’re out on the trail, panting away, really LISTEN to your breath. What is the rhythm like? Does it remind you of a particular favorite song beat? Does it match your stride? When you are with someone else, notice whether your breathing matches or differs from theirs? How do you feel in the moment you are aware of your breathing? How does noticing your breath make you feel?

Do it once, then twice…then smile secretly each time throughout the day you notice yourself breathing. Everyone around you will assume you are happy…and soon not only you, but everyone around you will also be – literally - breathing easier.

Yvette is a Corporate Training Contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her greatest joys are sharing information, facilitating the learning of others, and celebrating results when clients reach their goals. With a background in coaching, social psychology and adult learning, Yvette sets out to make organizations better by improving the performance of individuals and groups.