The COMFORT ZONE – Keeping Your Cool Under Stress
No matter what the circumstances around us, we can find and keep a sense of well-being. In “The COMFORT ZONE – Keeping Your Cool Under Stress”, you will explore how to change your experience by re-directing your attention. Human beings have the marvellous ability to focus their thoughts. You are fussy about what you eat and wear and drive. Being fussy about what you think will empower you to be happy, even under stress.
People often say things like, “The thought of that makes me mad”, or, “That memory makes me feel happy”. We all know that what we think about determines how we feel. You can focus your thoughts and find your COMFORT ZONE – that inner place of well-being, of calm and assurance, where we know that everything is going to be all right.
Our attitude in difficult circumstances determines what our experience will be. Attitudes are shaped by beliefs, and beliefs are simply thoughts you consistently think. If you want to improve your experience, start by re-directing your thoughts.
“We thoroughly enjoyed having you as our Luncheon Speaker. You seemed to speak to each audience member personally, and your presentation was so engaging, one could have heard a pin drop! The topic of keeping an inner “Comfort Zone” during times of stress was most valuable, and I know our members found your message encouraging, uplifting and inspiring.”
Rick Pinchin, President, Lions Club of Winnipeg
TEN TIPS FOR STAYING IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE
1. Make feeling good your top priority. Complaining and criticizing make you feel bad. If you don’t feel good, you have nothing to give to others. Focus on the positive aspects of any situation, and consciously look for things that please you.
2. Do something for somebody else. It will distract you from your worries and you’ll feel better.
3. Catch your negative attitudes while they are still small. Intentionally work to change them before they become big issues. Sometimes it’s hard work, and it takes practice, but it’s worth it. You can change if you want to. The power of intention can do wonders.
4. If you disagree with what someone has said, ask yourself, “Do I need to voice my disagreement? What will that accomplish?” If you do need to disagree out loud, do so without being disagreeable.
5. Be intentionally kind, to yourself and to others.
6. Look for the comedy in your chaos. Laughter is good for you. It raises oxygen levels in the blood, lowers blood pressure and stress levels, boosts the immune system and releases endorphins into the bloodstream.
7. Keep your perspective, and don’t take yourself too seriously. See yourself as part of the immensity of the universe – unique and valuable, but a tiny part of a vast whole.
8. Breathe deeply. That sends more oxygen to your brain, allowing you to think more clearly. For in-depth work on breathing, try the HeartMath® Technique: 1) Focus your attention on the area of your heart. 2) Imagine breathing in through your heart and out through your stomach while you 3) hold positive, happy thoughts. For information on the effects of positive emotions on the heart and health, visit www.heartmath.com.
9. Reach for thoughts that feel better. Find anything you can think of that feels like relief. (If you’re depressed, anger will feel like relief. Sometimes it’s a relief simply to distract yourself. Only you know what works for you.) Stay with that better feeling and keep looking for more good-feeling thoughts. Before long, you’ll be smiling.
10. Find something to appreciate. Appreciation is the fastest path to your COMFORT ZONE.