Taking inventory of our internal well-being on a regular basis is fundamental to healthy living. When we go through a challenging time, a big change, an unexpected disruption (or a planned one), it’s a good idea to ask ourselves, “Heyyyyy youuuu inside there, how are you doing?”
The most important part of stress is this:
Are you handling it okay?
When I did this quiz, my stress results were very high. I knew they would be. There’s been a lot of change over the past 12 months. Along with the change, stress. Of course! It comes with the territory.
How we handle stress is what we need to measure.
Ask your closest relationships: Do you think I handle stress well?
For me personally, I’m making life-changing decisions and carving a new path – a path I want to live. The impact these changes are having on me, the inner-person Karen, are monumental. The paradox of this stress and change is that I’ve chosen it. I want the change.
Regardless, change comes with risk, which inevitably induces greater levels of stress.
Although stress is a complex subject, I know what I have to do in order to stay healthy. I don’t want stress to invoke physical ailments.
Since I’m in a season of high stress (note: a season), I find myself much more diligent in making sure I’m doing okay. Here are a few of my go-to’s that I find highly valuable and helpful:
- Find the calm in the chaos. (I continually say, “All will be well. I’m on the right path. Keep going.”)
- Spend time outdoors reflecting and pondering your thoughts.
- Enjoy solitude and find time to think so you can unpack the clutter in your mind.
- Give yourself permission to feel your fear, worry or uncertainty. (I used to stuff my feelings. I don’t do that anymore.)
- Choose gratitude and every day speak out that for which you’re truly thankful.
- Remind yourself that love is greater than stress. Stay connected with the people that mean the most to you!
- Every year have a medical check up and blood work done to make sure you’re healthy.
- Choose to eat healthy and drink lots of water.
- Love laughing. (I make sure my days are filled with joy.)
Stress is a normal part of life, but it’s not to dominate our lives and it must not be given any controlling power on our circumstances.
– Karen Thrall
*also published on www.karenthrall.com
GOOD FOR THE SOUL 