Stress Management: Mind, Body, Spirit.

What Is Stress?

Stress is a physical, psychological, and energetic response to stimulating situations or experiences. Stress responses can be induced by both positive or negative stimuli. However, when we are exposed to chronic levels of ‘negative stressors’ it can take a toll on our mental health, Spirit, and physical body.

Different Ways Stress Can Manifest

Physical symptoms: increased heart rate, aches and pains, digestive issues,  blood pressure issues, low energy, and sleep issues (etc.).

Cognitive symptoms: racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, mind going blank or “spacing out” (etc.).

Emotional symptoms: excessive worry, guilt, increased irritability, feeling easily startled, mood swings, overwhelm, and increased sensitivity (etc.).

Behavioral symptoms: social withdrawal, increased drug or alcohol use, emotional eating, mind-numbing activities (e.g., doom scrolling), feeling confrontational, or experiencing an increased level of defensiveness (etc).

Spiritual symptoms: energetic or auric field leaks, difficulty discerning between the authentic self and the emotional absorption of others, spiritual fatigue or burnout, energy or chakra blockages (etc.).

Ways to Reduce Stress

1. Limit exposure to negativity. For example, take a temporary detox from the news (with the exception of local or weather-related emergency alerts), social media, group commiserating, gossiping, etc. Detoxing from negative content not only reduces mental, emotional, and spiritual fatigue but it also helps you shift into a more positive mind frame by being rooted in the present moment.

2. Move your body. Get outside in nature, start exercising, start practicing grounding yoga techniques, or create a deep breathing routine.

3. Pay attention to what’s being put into your body. Eating whole foods and limiting junk food will help the body rejuvenate, reduce inflammation, and balance stress hormones. Sometimes certain foods or drinks (like alcohol) can actually induce more stress, so practice mindfulness or intuitive eating. If there is a problem with addiction, work with a trusted medical provider to help you detox safely and appropriately.

4. Start reading or listening to something inspirational every day. This could be a book, quote, devotional, or motivational podcast. Some people like to start or end their day with something positive while others like to utilize their time in the car listening to positive or educational content (protip: this can also help reduce “road rage”). Just find SOMETHING that inspires you and continue to put your focus there. Chakra work and mindfulness can also help in removing energetic/Spiritual blockages.

5. Know when to get help. Listed above are only a few examples of how to go about managing chronic stress levels. However, if you have tried every technique you can possibly think of and are still seeing little results, or if your symptoms are more severe, it may be time to seek out some expert advice by finding a professional counselor that specializes in your area of concern.

 Abundant Light Counseling
surrounding service areas include but are not limited to

Woodbury, MN
Cottage Grove, MN
Inver Grove Heights, MN
St. Paul, MN
Mendota Heights, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Stillwater, MN
White Bear Lake, MN

To book an appointment call Beth Anderson, M.Ed., LPCC at 507-412-6855 or book online at www.abundantlightllc.com/contact