Back in the late 80's early 90's there was a therapist role on the comedy show, "A Different World." This fictitious therapist offered this intervention for a client that was dealing with what she felt was unbearable stress. She offered these 3 words: Relax, Relate, Release. I highly recommend this mantra to all.
~Relax your mind and body
~Relate to only the facts in the here and now
~Release all that you cannot control
Many of our anxieties come from a habit of holding onto stressful days and experiences that are evident in tense bodies. If you cannot relax on your own, consider your 5 senses and find what works for you.
When we think about relating to something, we feel connected, understood, and accepted. Relate to all that is true and factual in your life. Many times, we focus on or relate to the triggers instead of what is truly important. Consider how others are feeling right now and you will be moved from a place of self-concern that will indirectly eliminate some personal worry.
Release- I ask all my clients to consider all the things that cause they emotional distress. I call these triggers rocks. Once you have identified what you feel is stressing you out or weighing you down, evaluate if any of these triggers (rocks) in your control can change. IF you have no control, you should have no worries about that rock. This is the freeing part…Drop that rock! Release that weight and let it go.
If you need help practicing this technique, feel free to schedule a session. I would love to help you drop some rocks.
Remember, Relax, Relate, Release (rocks)!
