Beating ‘Summer Stress’- holidays with the kids, holidays in general, for some a downturn in business and surprisingly the list goes on. But can there be too much of looking for the problem in things? Summer Stress. Seriously? Surely if there is any time of the year to concentrate on lightness of being, good health, enjoyment and stress-free living, now is the time! Grab those random sunny days by the throat and soak up the goodness.
Let the sunshine in…
Many ancient cultures had or still have the sun as the centre of their worship- such as the ancient Incas, the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and many Pacific Island nations. Somewhere in most histories there are references to the sun and its power. Even Stonehenge is thought to track the movement of the sun’s path, following the solstices and seasons. So is our pull to sunnier climates just the fulfillment of an ancient and innate behaviour?
Sun Benefits
A previous newsletter focused on winter blues that explained the S.A.D syndrome many are affected by in the colder, darker months. The benefits of the sun comes down to the UV radiation that is our key source of Vitamin D. Responsible for the health of bones, muscles and importantly- the immune system, 10 minutes exposure to sunlight a day supplies us with all the vitamin D we need daily.
Also:
- Sufficient amounts of Vitamin D is thought to help autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis
- Sunlight may reduce the risk of some cancers
- Sunlight is thought to stimulate the pineal gland in the brain, producing mood enhancing chemicals called ‘tryptamines’
Obviously there are clear warnings and information regarding prolonged sun exposure and the hazards of not being sensible in the sun; as well as a lot of literature surrounding the implications of using sun beds. There are no excuses these days for not knowing the consequences of our actions. It makes sense to be informed, sensible and safe.
NB: 2 weeks holiday in the Mediterranean is equivalent to the UK’s entire annual sunshine exposure.
Tips and Hints on Carefree Living
Not to be confused with not caring or not having any responsibility, living carefree could be more about knowing priorities, creating balance, challenging limiting beliefs or by the dictionary definition: to be without anxiety or worry. Not impossible, as with anything, a bit of passion and energy can create a world of possibility. Now there’s a goal to try and achieve!
- Challenge your perspective
Are you immediately seeing a problem in a situation rather than the challenge, growing experience, adventure or learning opportunity? Look past the anxiety and worry to a different frame of reference and get some good from the situation
- Question your limiting beliefs
What is it that you are telling yourself that is creating worry or anxiety? That holiday’s with the kids are always hard work? That the weather is always miserable on your day off? That life is meant to be a disappointment and hard work? Contact Aspiring Change for the May 2008 issue on challenging limiting beliefs or for more information.
- Create your carefree life
Easier said than done? Well, even saying it is a first step to realisation and actuality. Say it out loud; act like you are already there; enlist the support of a friend. Write down what it means for you- everyone’s living carefree will be different. Have a clear picture of how you will be and what it will be like.
- Take action (as always…)
Pick one thing that you can do in your day today that gets you on the path to living carefree- without anxiety or worry. Smile. Sing. Laugh. Go for a walk. Indulge in one thing that makes you feel good. One thing. Try it now…
- Get help
If you know this is not something you can do on your own, ask for help. Try gaining clarity, taking action and achieving success with Aspiring Change.
Trackback(0)
TrackBack URI for this entryComments (0)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
