Some basic logic about stress plus useful effective tools to de-clutter your stressed-out brain…
According to Don Joseph Goeway, author of Mystic Cool, “fear is at the heart of the disorganized mind.” Stress affects the brain, particularly the not-so-intelligent part called the Amygdala, and results in risky decisions, agrressive behavior, a decline in creative thinking and closed off communication channels. Clearly, that’s a disorganized mind!
I had the pleasure of hearing Don speak at the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) 2013 Conference. After articulating the why of something we already know – that stress is dangerous and unhealthy – he provided some great ideas and tools to help illuminate and eliminate stress.
… only 15% of the things we worry about actually happen …that means 85% of the time, our worry is a waste of time! Think about that the next time you are stressed out trying to predict the future, ….then take a deep breath and stop wasting your time and brain-power with worry.
To clear stress clutter, a tool Don introduced called:
Stop and Stand Still
1. Start each day in quiet, by waking up little earlier than usual, than find a quit place and meditate. “When you’re fully awake, take a few minutes to frame the day in a positive light. …follow your breathing. Imagine each breath softening your heart and opening it wider. Feel appreciation for the gift of another day of life… Set the intention fo have a great day, achieving meaningful results in your work.., and to succeed at love, peace and joy.”
2. Once a week, count your blessings. Research suggest that people who count their blessings experience lower levels of depression and stress and are more likely to make progresss towards important personal goals.
3. Take breaks. Take Walks. …after 90 minutes of work, take a break, to maximize performance. Further, taking a 20 – 30 minute walk three times a week in a green environment dissolves stress hormones and oxygenates the brain.
4. Let your mind wander. Your openness to the seemingly irrelevant content of daydreaming intensifies the brain’s creative process, increasing creative intelligence by as much as 40%!
Look at the sky.
Watch the wind blow.
Sense the way the sunlight encourages the grass and flowers to grow.
Look at people with the clear intention of not judging anyone.
Be as free as you can be…
Try it.. let me know how it goes!
For more, read Don’s book, Mystic Cool.