Hi Evita – I know it’s the kids part that kills me too. A shift, or wake up call is definitely needed to make any modifications or decrease stress (or turn it into the positive)

Tess – I love writing, too. My bookshelf is filled with journals! Simplicity is key, as far as I’m concerned, in getting people to do something about it!

Megan – I don’t know where I’d be without my yoga and meditation. Truly have been lifesavers.

Chris – I know, there is a constant need to be busy. And I’ve become so aware of that, now it stresses me out when I’m in the company of people who “can’t sit still!”

Lance – Me, too. If I start my day rushed, then I’m typically stressed for the rest of it, and that never feels good.

Darren – Wow, what a moment to share. It’s so important to be in tune with our own needs and our kids needs. I remember when my parents separated, no one asked us about our stress levels…and boy were they high. And thank you for sharing some great tools with her. That is what it’s all about. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your story.

Once I got over the bluntness of the answer it was a great opportunity to share with her different ways for her to manage the stress – be it exercise, breathing, focusing thoughts, writing, or any number of other means. It was a perfect opportunity for Daddy/daughter time. She now knows that she doesn’t need to hide the fact she is stressing over something and she has some tools that will help her manage that stress.

Wonderful post, Stacey…

Darren

For me too, a lot depend on how I start my day. If I’m able to start it in a manner that starts with some moments of quiet – it’s like the rest of my day is lived in a very much lower-stress state.

Great reminders!!

As for stress, exercise has always helped me manage stress and keep a clearer head. On the opposite end of the spectrum, nightly meditation (before going to bed) also allows me to keep a clear head. Your post from awhile ago reminded me that I hadn’t been meditating enough, and as a result, I recently downloaded some iTunes guided meditations to help break up the monotony of just sitting with my own thoughts. Guided meditations led by the right “voice” or person go a long way in keeping me grounded.

Thanks for this important post!

Your and Katie’s work are so needed today. I’m not sure I know anyone who is dealing with some kind of stress these days. The solutions you give are simple but powerful!

Boy am I not surprised by those stats. You can really tell from people all around.

I am so happy about the work you are doing in helping people deal effectively with their stress, that is a big bonus. But I also think as humanity in total we need a more aggressive shift in our thinking and lifestyles period.

It is one thing to hear about stressed adults, but my heart really aches when I hear about stressed children. They are picking up so much from their parents both directly and indirectly and it is just not fair. Through this they pick up such a disadvantage health wise – mentally, emotionally and physically for their later years.

I definitely think more and more attention should be brought to this subject and not of course from the problem side of it, but as you present the solution side of it. There are many things we can all do to decrease stress, but first step is always seeing it or admitting it.

I’m working on staying in the now and focusing on my breath. The more that I bring myself back to the present moment the more awareness and ability to access my joy occurs.