Your 5 Step Guide to Caring for Yourself at Times of Great Stress

Posted by Michel Gerard • April 12, 2010 • Printer-friendly

by: Debs de Vries

Economic crises: relationship breakdown: death or serious ill health of a family member: job loss or worries over your financial stability: your own ill health: losing a home or just doing FAR too much . . . it reads like a nightmare list, but the fact is, some or all of these events take place in most lives on the planet.

Knowing this may be a modest reassurance that it's not just 'you' but in truth, the effects of undergoing these trials can be that you'll suffer from 'overwhelm'. Your response may range from total shut-down where decision making feels impossible,to a misdirected rage with many and ungrounded decisions being made - or somewhere in between. This is a brief guide, designed to help you navigate these difficult times more easily.

1. Do you know what your 'overwhelm indicators" are. What happens to you - what do you do,when it's all getting "too much"? I know that one of my typical "indicators" is if I buy and eat biscuits every day. Another is noticing that I am planning my next move - and my next - and the one after that - rather than focusing on the task in hand.

2. As soon as you notice you are getting pushed too far,or too much seems to be coming towards you, slow right down. Whatever you are doing, just slow your body actions and your breathing down and pay attention to feeling any sensations in your physical body. Make a good contact to the ground with the soles of your feet. Ask yourself "how am I feeling?Even though this only takes a few seconds, you will quickly feel more resourceful. Allow your body to 'soften'.

3. If you are overwhelmed because you have received bad news, then give yourself time to adjust. Don't just "take it on the chin" and battle on. You may be faced with major changes and this could be a short or a long process. Take time to talk to someone else, and/or write down your feelings. If necessary, take time away from work and if you can, be outside as often as possible. The natural world can really support and nurture us. If you need to cry, then cry. If you feel angry, acknowledge it and see my "5 tips for managing anger" before you turn your anger either inwards or outwards.

4. Keep a bottle of Dr Edward Bach's "Rescue Remedy" handy. I keep one in the house and one in my bag. You can also buy similar products, such as Alfred Vogel's "Emergency Essence" or Australian Bush Remedies "Calm and Clear". Add a few drops to your drinking water and sip at regular intervals. If you experience a sudden, intense, shock, take 4 drops neat, under your tongue. (Read the label instructions first).

5.Take a step backwards and review your work/social load. If you are in,or about to hit, overwhelm, you may feel the need to press forwards.In fact, your energy will be compromised by doing so. Remove and/or reschedule items from your 'to do' list: Make sure you rest more than usual, and ask for help.

Learning to navigate the hardest passages of life brings a sense of inner strength. Use these times to support yourself well and you will find you feel much more 'in control' when life gets out of control.

About the Author:

Debs de Vries is the UK's leading provider of guided relaxation and personal coaching programs. She helps people to succeed in mastering life skills to create extraordinary lives. Her audio and written work gives her satisfied clients an authentic and enjoyable way to learn new and powerful ways of being. Find out more here: => http://thewellnessaudioshop.co.uk