The Perils of Sitting on the Stress Train and How to Get Off at the Next Stop

It seems sudden, shocking and out of the blue, but the truth is that all things manifest over time. They only appear sudden if we haven't noticed what was going on in the build up to the final crescendo that actually gets our attention.

The High Price of Self-Neglect - To ignore the early warning signs is ignorance. Ignore-ance. The opposite of that ignore-ance is the simple ad self-supporting act of paying (as in investing) attention. Investing in ourselves, in self-care, in taking care of the little things. In doing what they tell you to on planes. That is, put your own oxygen mask on before you try and help anyone else.

Why? Because we can't help ourselves, or anyone else, if we're gasping for air. But sadly, that's exactly what many of us are doing. We're gasping for air, grabbing food to go, and snatching rest. We are ignoring the basic self-preserving, self-supportive acts that give us longevity, health, and peace of mind.

Now, more than ever, with information overload and the quick, quick, super quick, mood of how to get things done, we are running around with the sound of ticking in ours ears and declaring that we have "no time" to eat properly, rest properly etc etc. It's not true! We have time. We have as much time as we ever did. What changed is our perception of it and our shift in values.

Seeking Protection from Peace - If you've ever taken the trouble to get up before the birds and do some meditation, you'll know that there exists a still and peaceful place, before the world starts rushing about. If you've ever taken time out during the day to sit quietly and breathe deeply, you'll know that you can slow it all down and get back in balance with yourself. If you've ever sat down to a home cooked meal, prepared with love, and eaten with gratitude, you'll know how content and nourished your body and mind feel afterwards.

A few minutes spent in peaceful contemplation sends signals to your body to lower its stress responses and stop pumping adrenaline through your veins. It tells your digestive system that its OK to give its full attention to the contents of your stomach and convert them into cell nourishing and repairing nutrients and it tells your mind and emotions that its OK to be still, be calm and be relaxed.

Baby Steps to Feeling Better - Learning something new can seem a daunting task for busy people, but taking care of yourself needn't be complex or time consuming. It can be as quick and easy as learning one simple breathing exercise or meditation technique and doing it for just 10 minutes a day.

We cannot afford to live in ignorance. It's too costly. To our relationships, our minds and our bodies. Why not start investing in yourself today with a commitment to a few daily moments of peace and tranquillity? You're worth it!