10 Minutes to a Lower Stress Life Series: Find the Feeders

Photo by Tran's World Productions (CC BY-ND 2.0)

In the last article in the lowering stress series, we talked about “Reducers.” We have also previously talked about “Amplifiers.” If you missed those articles, I encourage you to go back and read them. We continue our discussion on strategies to lower stress by talking about ways to feed our well-being to fortify us against the inevitable stressors in our lives.

Stress is a fact, and it is here to stay. We will never return to the slower, simpler way of life. What is also a fact is that we do have the power to control our state of mind and to improve our resistance to stress. When we start from a place of health, energy, and calmness, we are less affected and controlled by the stress that naturally occurs. Again, these are different for everyone; what might feed one may deplete another.

Lower Stress Strategy: Find Your Feeders

A feeder can be anything or anyone that makes you feel more positive, that uplifts you, or that nurtures you in some way. These are not practices that lower your stress when you’re in the middle of it, rather things that put you in a better frame of mind so that you are less affected by the stress in your life. Identifying and using this knowledge can help you to find a better life balance and prevent or at least minimize stress before it escalates.

Take 10 minutes to list 5-10 things (more if you want) that feed you.

Some of my feeders:

Reading – Doesn’t belong on everyone’s list, but words open my mind and that feeds me.

Nature – I’m a country girl at heart. Getting outside on a regular basis and spending time away from electronic demands and pressing responsibilities help to calm and fortify me.

Spiritual practice – For some this might take the form of meditation, for others prayer, even a few minutes each day spent in contemplation of a connection to something greater than myself grounds me.

Writing – This is not for everyone, but as a writer, journaling, morning pages, and even poetry allow me to express my fears, my concerns, my joy, and my gratitude. Excavating my thoughts and feelings help keep me positive and balanced.

Connection – Talking, communing and relating to people I enjoy being with uplift me and give me a sense of security, of knowing I have a network of support to draw on.

Movement – It might be yoga, walking, dancing, or bike riding with my children. Any form of movement or activity raises my mood and gives me energy to face the world.

Time alone – This is very difficult for many and scary for some. It’s critical for me; I need a bit of time by myself each day to be quiet, to hear myself think when no one is pulling at me or demanding attention.

Your list will certainly be different. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you know what your feeders are and if you can manage even one each day you will find that you are a bit stronger and more able to handle stress when it occurs.

What are your feeders? Care to share…

In the rest of this series on lowering stress, look for more strategies to reduce stress and how to avoid it before it starts.