by Alexandria Barker | Oct 13, 2020 | Best Stress Relief Activities, Law of Attraction
Picture yourself here!
Today I’m going to share my 3 top tips to stop stress. Are you feeling stressed out a lot of the time – or more often than you’d like? These fast, free, fool-proof techniques will put you back on path of happiness and tranquility within 30 minutes or less!
Stress has become a routine part of life for many of us – but it doesn’t have to be that way! Some stress is unavoidable, and a certain amount isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it can motivate us to get our butts moving in various parts of our lives that might not otherwise get attention. But too much stress causes big problems! Most of which I’m sure you’re well acquainted with, including chronic headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, anxiety; I’m getting stressed just thinking about it! Luckily, I know how to stop stress in it’s tracks – my 3 top tips to stop stress will show you how too!
Tip # 1
The first of my tips to stop stress is to Breathe! Your 1st course of action when you feel stressed. What happens (and what leads to anxiety/anxiety attacks) is that you tend to hold your breath when feeling stressed. Your brain is the first organ to suffer from lack of oxygen – resulting in making you feel even more stressed!
So start with an exhale – then a nice deep breath in. Breath in and out 10 times. This will keep your mind occupied, chatter internal monologue, and calm down that little puppy-dog mind currently chasing it’s tail!
Now, if you’re a Type A personality, you’re ego is probably screaming, “I barely have time to breath, let alone sit and breath!” but I assure you, this is time well spent! It’s like a little mini-meditation, which brings us to my next tip!
Tip # 2
Take 10! The second of my 3 tips to stop stress is, give yourself the gift of a little mini vacation, via meditation. It’s easy to do – if you tried tip 1 you’ve already begun. Ten minutes a day is all it takes to relieve stress and it’s negative effects on your health. Spending a few minutes in the car at the end of the workday before going into the house will ensure you give your very best to the people you love most. All you really need is a quiet place to sit and relax and focus on your breath.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this will become a habit, especially if you repeat it at the same time and place each day. Of course, if you’re just beginning, 10 minutes may seem like forever – so start with 2 or 3 and gradually increase – you’ll love the rewards! Imagine yourself in the picture above, how relaxing is that!
Tip #3
Which brings us to the 3rd of my 3 top tips to stop stress. If it’s a particular situation or person that’s causing the bulk of your stress, try turning it around. Rather then re-hashing the situation, try re-framing it in your mind in a way that feels more pleasing to you. Tell a new story! Ask yourself, if this could play out any way I want, what would I want that to look like? Let yourself dwell in possibility.
We live in a vibrational world – and the people/circumstances/things we vibrate out match up with things of a similar vibration. You’ll be amazed at how quickly things can improve when you try this practice – I’ve seen it work miracles in relationships!
At the very least, feeling hopeful about a stressful situation will reduce the stress you’re feeling in the moment, and make space for something wonderful to manifest in it’s place! I invite you to give these a try and let me know how they work for you!
In Light, Alexandria
http://AlexandriaBarker.com
by Alexandria Barker | Oct 11, 2020 | Law of Attraction
Develop an attitude of gratitude
Do you believe you can develop an attitude of gratitude? I firmly believe Gratitude is the key to all good things., providing your gratitude and appreciation is for what a situation is, not for what you think it should be!
I had a clear reminder of that this past Thanksgiving weekend. I had visualized spending the weekend will all of my 4 children, their spouses and my 5 little grandchildren. I had even done my Wishful Thanking pre-paving in full expectation of a fabulous family reunion, and congratulated myself in my determination to develop an attitude of gratitude.
A week prior to the big day, I had confirmation in my hot hands – everyone was able to attend. Not an easy feat, coordinating this, I congratulated myself as I happily went shopping to feed all 15 of us, happy visions of hugs and laughter filling my mind.
Well the morning of the big dinner, received the 1st cancellation – my stepdaughter had been called in to work and couldn’t attend, but her hubby and my grandson still would be. I mentally removed one chair from the table.
Time passed, and the house began to fill in, little ones (the oldest being 4) running up and down the hallway, with Nana (me!) basking in the warm loving feeling and sound of giggles.
An hour later, another phone call – my youngest daughter was ill, she, her hubby and another grandson wouldn’t be attending. Three more chairs removed from table.
But the thing was, we all had a wonderful day/night/overnight of food, fun and festivities. And even though it wasn’t what I would have planned, it was a fabulous weekend, and I was very grateful for how everything had turned out.
It was a wonderful reminder that everything always is exactly how it’s meant to be. Though we missed those not in attendance, fewer people created space for more intimate conversation, and gave room for other people to shine.
In the end, everyone agreed it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever, and my heart overflowed with gratitude for everyone there, and everyone there in spirit. It was a wonderful lesson in letting go of expectation and delighting in what was. I offer this in the spirit of encouragement, so that the next time things unexpectedly change in your world, you can develop an attitude of gratitude and gracefully accept what is, rather than wistfully wishing it could be different. Just place your faith in the trust that all is well, and is what it was meant to be.
In Light, Alexandria
by Alexandria Barker | Oct 10, 2020 | Best Stress Relief Activities, Law of Attraction
Feeling Stressed? Gratitude beats stress everytime – here’s a quick video on how to make it your go-to resource! Not just for Thanksgiving weekend, but as a daily practice!
Expressing gratitude is one of the best stress relief activities you can do if you want quick results! I was inspired to record a video about practicing gratitude. Discover the difference 5 minutes can make, when you use it to focus on things you’re grateful for!
I feel it’s the most powerful practice going, and is so easy to do! I know we’re all busy people, but if you commit to spending just 5 minutes a day feeling grateful, every day, your life will turn around. But don’t take my word for it, prove it to yourself! Try this and see if you agree it’s one of the best stress relief activities!
by Alexandria Barker | Oct 7, 2020 | Reiki
by Alexandria Barker | Oct 2, 2020 | Law of Attraction
My personal daily goal is focus on what delights me and gets me to my happy place so to feel as fabulous as I possibly can! It’s easier than you may think, and is within your reach too!
My professional goal is to help you feel better, regardless of the situation you may be in. Because no matter what’s going on with you right now, you are still in control, because you get to decide how to perceive it – and Perception is Everything!
My own life experiences and 22 years of metaphysical training have given me many tools that I love sharing in my coaching and training programs. Of these, my #1 favorite go-to ‘tool’ is Gratitude.
By deliberately cultivating an attitude of Gratitude you are sending a powerful message out into the world that you are worthy and deserving and open to receiving more good things.
I make it a practice to deliberately choose my thoughts to reflect the silver lining that’s present under all circumstances. I start my day by creating gratitude lists, which essentially is simply counting your blessings and writing them down. Anything you wouldn’t want to be without would go on this list, and on many occasions my list has had over 100 items on it! (try this and see how easy and fast it really is!)
To keep this process feeling fresh, I do like to mix up the themes a bit. For example, I might ask, what do I appreciate about my life? About myself? Family members?
I was recently asked, “What delights you” in an interview – here was my short list.
– cuddling fluffy kittens
– hugs & kisses from my little grandkids
– family parties
– introducing/training others in the art of Reiki
– hanging out with like-minded people
– crystals
– teaching yoga
– strolling in my gardens
– writing by my pond
– playing pool with my hubby
– dancing!
Once I have a list compiled I like to review it and deliberately conjure happy feelings that match these experiences. Such a great start to the day! The uplifting feeling builds throughout the day, and is mirrored in my outer experiences. A nice side effect – I have lots of lovely thoughts to reflect on at the end of the day when I’m looking for positive feelings to go to sleep with.
What’s on your list of delights? Add it in the comments!
May You Be Happy, May You Be Healthy, May You Live with Ease!
Love & Light
Alexandria
