How to live a satisfying spiritual life in a stressful world
There are so many of us who work long hours in a very stressful environment, with little time for family. These people do go out, but that outing is mostly about drinking, smoking and eating unhealthy food in the name of ‘letting hair down’. And the next day…it’s the same old rut. Everyone is running towards a contended life with so much discontent in their heart that life becomes a ballad full of irony. Let’s look at some surefire ways to simplify life…
Work on your finances
Finances can be a drain on your energy and a major stressor. If that’s true with you, figure out ways to make things simpler. Automate savings and bill payments and debt payments. Spend less by going shopping much less. Find ways to have fun that don’t involve spending money.
Stop negativity
Cut out or cut down on the most negative media influence in your life. It could be the news on TV, the newspaper, some magazine or type of music, type of books or blogs or websites. Replace that time and find new energy and inspiration from one or more positive sources like inspiring movies and books.
Focus on your breath
Your breath is a powerful and simple way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Whenever you are having a hard time staying in the now, take deep breaths, and focus on your breathing. You could even count your breaths. Something I like to do is count to four on the inhale and four on the exhale. It focuses the logical part of my brain on counting and allows me to focus on my breath. After a while I can release the crutch of counting and just be.
Cut problems into pieces
There is a saying that goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” The key to making this saying meaningful is in the application. When things seem overwhelming it really takes a toll on our well-being. Consider how you can break big tasks into smaller more manageable pieces.
Remember the kid you were
Do you remember how to play? I’m not referring to playing a round of golf or a set of tennis. I’m talking about playing like you did when you were a child – a game of tag; leap frog, or street baseball when the bat is a broken broom handle and the bases are the parked cars. One way to find or maintain your happiness is to remember the kid you were and play!
Find your calling
Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose – of feeling like you are here for a reason – can perhaps bring the greatest joy of all.
Take care of your health
Eating well and getting plenty of exercise will raise your spirits. Lack of nutrients will get you down so don’t skip meals or make do with junk food. Physical exercise is known to stimulate endorphins that lift depression and anxiety – so walk, swim, run or whatever you like doing best.
Nurture your relationships
Take time and trouble over your friends and your partner. Talk and laugh with them and – especially – listen and understand their points of view. Don’t make being right more important than a friendship. People with a few close friends are more likely to be happy than those with many mere acquaintances.
Get enough sunshine
Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition. Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you can’t afford to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.
Live in the moment
The only thing you can gain from the past are the lessons it taught you. No good can come from replaying situations you cannot hope to fix. Make peace with them and move on… because who you were then is definitely not who you are now.
Don’t multi-task
Don’t be a Jack of all trades and master of none. To lead a stress-free life don’t take too many things in hand. Just take up one thing and clear it, before taking up another one. This will help to do your task faster and keep you distraction-free.
Slow down
Instead of rushing through life, learn to take things slow. Enjoy your food, enjoy the people around you, enjoy nature. This step alone can save tons of stress.
Read books!
Fiction or non-fiction – take your pick. Books have an ability to take you into another world. Funny, light and positive books will help you feel good!
Choose your priority
If you cannot sort out between a real problem and a trifle one, cannot decide which one should be done first or which one is more important for you, you will suffer from tension. Your anxiety will mount up for nothing. If you do not differentiate between a serious problem and a trifle one consciously, your brain will consider every problem as serious ones.
Laugh several times a day
It is still mysterious how laughter creates positive reaction in human body. Laughter keeps inhalation system normal, keeps blood circulation system fine and adds to the supply of internal healing hormone. Therefore, create new occasion everyday in order to laugh. Spend as much time as possible with cheerful, happy and entertaining people
Simplify your spiritual life
Organize, don’t agonize. Keep your space ordered and your schedule under-booked. Create a foundation with a soft place to land, a wide margin of error, and room to think and breathe. So you have the flexibility to explore the possibilities for happiness in each and every day.
As a stress reliever, the yoga-meditation path is an established one, but we are too time-stressed for it. We start in earnest, go for a few sessions and then falter. Stress-busting satvik food is fine, but is it practicable? We travel; we have o eat what we get.
Different people have different ways of chilling out- reading, walking, playing – whatever is possible in the prevailing environment. Unlike diet, yoga, exercise, and equanimity, the new methods endorse what we have always done: indulge ourselves. In a good way. Consider chocolate (bitter/dark/less sweet). Chocolate is good, walnut is better. Switch on the music, curl up with your favorite mag. Feel the stress ebb. Look at the trees. Watch people. Where did she buy that dress? It is called the ‘taking mind off’ technique. Sleep is a powerful antidote to stress. Another good one is – Pets. If you have a pet, you have the antidote to anxiety. Pet owners will tell you how relaxing pet companionship is. The list can go on and on. Do something spontaneous, such as blowing soap bubbles.
