Not all stress is bad for us…but an ability to understand our stress triggers, allows us to feel more capable of better managing the stressful situations within our lives.  Time out is my answer to tackling the build-up of the everyday stress overload.

This month is National Stress Awareness Month which is when the health industry professionals aim to increase public awareness about the causes and solutions for our modern stress epidemic.

Usually stress motivates me… to get the job done and then I feel grateful to have achieved another task.  Some stress is necessary to inspire us to make appropriate choices and give us control of our life.  This positive amount of stress, is what propels us to adopt the right attitude in our responses to difficult situations.

But at some point, the burden does become a little heavy and the need to breathe becomes muffled.  The key is to know your triggers and understand your limits.  Being aware of our stress levels enables us to better manage our lives.

We need to understand where these stress triggers are embedded.  Is it work, family, personal relationships or physical health issues?  Identify and evaluate your own stress levels and make the appropriate changes to improve your own wellbeing.

Writing it down is my way… to successfully remove the clutter from my mind and restore order.  If something is worrying you or you have a need to find the positivity in life again… write it down.  It magically gives your mind permission to embrace the restoration process.  It allows you to really breathe deeper and rejuvenate yourself from the inside.

“My Journal” is a diary that I have created for this process… to allow you all to find that mental space to inspire your own inner strength.  I have included my personal self-motivating quotes within My Journal to encourage you on this journey.  I provide you with a personal space for your own inner thoughts and to share happiness.

De-stressing tools gives us back control within our lives and an understanding of empowering your own wellbeing.  Everybody is different, so it is important to understand our stress triggers and manage them effectively.

It doesn’t matter what you do to relieve the excess stress and tension… but just do something.  Whether it be writing down your thoughts to relieve your mind from the hardships, taking a walk to appreciate life, exercise activity, deep breathing or meditation, listening to music, or spending time out with loved ones.  Anything to restore your stress management devices.

Today I am sharing this photo with you, from my holiday to Tasmania back in October 2014.  A holiday that my husband and I enjoyed immensely, as we appreciated the rural beauty of our most southern state.  I had taken this photo at Woolmers Estate, where colonial life had been preserved in the buildings and the rural atmosphere maintained.

Rural Reflection #16…

I love this photo as it reflects a quiet peaceful surrounding… under the beautiful trees upon a lush green surface.  I remember feeling at ease, calmness and adoration for the beauty encompassing me.  My Tasmanian holiday was almost 5 years ago… a time that I felt relaxed, stress-free and passionate about the local farming products of Tasmania.

As I reflect upon this truly beautiful place… I look forward to that feeling again one day.  That tranquil feeling as we enjoyed some time out, learned of the Tasmanian history and appreciated a beautiful area within our own nation.

In the meantime, I shall be aware of my stress levels, give myself permission for a little time out and write my thoughts, worries and aspirations in My Journal.

Enjoy some time out today… you deserve it!

Take care, Karen.

“It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.”

~ Donna Karan