Stop that Thought!

We are all living within constant change which we at times find exciting, challenging, motivational and inspirational while at other times fell may feel anxious, stressed, angry, worried and even defeated.
With these changes in our world often our thoughts and emotions feel like they are on a roller-coaster racing up and down and twisting every which way. This eventually becomes totally overwhelming. 
Have you ever wanted to just - stop that thought from going round and round in your head? let go of the worry, anxiety and stress of it all?
How awesome would it be to have the ability to do just that?
Believe it or not, we cannot have more than one thought at a time, seems inconceivable doesn´t it when your head is spinning and it feels like the thoughts are all queued up and even jumping the queue!
There is much debate about the number of thoughts we have in a day, however - it´s a lot!
Most "experts" do agree that up to 80% of those thoughts are negative and they even suggest that a whopping 95% are repetitive thoughts, exactly the same as the day before. This isn´t too surprising when we look at our daily routines. 
So the BIG question is how do we take some control of our thoughts to help us relax and feel happier more often? 
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The first step is to make the decision to do just that. Yes, I know it sounds too simple however, it´s true. The one thing we have absolute control over is how we feel, doesn´t feel like it, does it?
We have the choice every second, of every minute, of every day how we feel, how we react or respond to anything. 
When you begin to connect to your feelings with this understanding your life will change - for the better!
We are all very different, we have unique perspectives and reactions to the world around us and this means that what works for one person will not necessarily work for you nonetheless, there is always something that will work. 
so, if you would like to feel better more of the time, let´s look at some ways that will help:

1. BREATHING

    “Breathing has a special power over the mind and body.”

Proper breathing is the MOST beneficial thing that you can do for your physical and emotional health. 
We use this all the time without realising it. Your subconscious mind is in constant communication with your breath. Breath gives us life and optimal health. 
The first thing we do when we enter this world is inhale and the last thing we do before we gain our Angel Wings is exhale.
When you practice breathing consciously you oxygenate the cells and tissues of your body and you create and maintain flow.  

Breathing practice can: 

• Slow the heart rate
• lower blood pressure
• reduce stress and anxiety
• change your blood pH
• increase energy
• improve digestion 
• and so much more......

Breathing not only supplies our organs with oxygen, it also rids the body of waste products and toxins……and it is all about flow!
​When we are flowing, we feel good….it´s that simple!

When we are in pain, stressed or anxious we have a tendency to hold our breath or breathe shallow breaths. This sends a distress signal to our brain that we are not feeling safe and relaxed, and can make the situation worse. 
By using breathing exercises we can avoid this and also promote better health and emotional peace.
As soon as you take a focused, conscious breath the message is sent that you are safe; your body floods with endorphins which make you feel relaxed and increase well-being.
One of the simplest breathing exercises is to focus on the out breath; when you blow that breath out through the mouth it´s like releasing the air from a balloon or opening a valve, you can feel the tension leaving the body. Try it!
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    2. THE 3-3-3- RULE
When you feel anxious, worried or have thoughts spinning in your head the 3-3-3 rule helps to shift the focus which helps to reduce the feelings. 
As with every tool, the first thing you do is take a deep breath; immediately your body chemistry will change. 

• look around you and name 3 things you see;
• next notice and name 3 sounds that you hear;
• and finally move 3 parts of your body - your hands, your feet, your head;

You will find that this practice shifts the focus and the energy in your body and also releases tension. 

    3. WALK / RUN / EXERCISE
When we initiate the stress response the body releases adrenaline and we get a "buzz". The physical act of moving helps to use up the adrenaline, makes us focus on breathing (we do not actually realise that we are focused on breath) and so communicate to our subconscious that we are in control.

    4. ACTIVATE THE TRIPLE WARMER
​Have you ever noticed people standing with their legs slightly apart and holding their wrist either in front or behind them?  This stance is a natural way in which we calm ourselves. There is an energy meridian that runs through the body called the triple warmer. This meridian controls our fight or flight response. When you hold your wrist and breathe you are again communicating that you are safe. It´s a tool you can use anywhere and is highly effective!

    5. TAPPING
Tapping on the body´s energy meridians effectively sends a message to the brain that says “ I am safe” , "there is no threat" and the brain then takes the body out of the “FIGHT OR FLIGHT “ mode.
There are many tapping techniques that you can use, here is mine: 
REMEMBER to breathe throughout.

These are some simple tools to use and there are many more. 
​If you would like some help please feel free to contact me here.
Wherever you are , whatever you are doing, have an awesome day!
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