Steadiness Despite The Stress

I know you are a part of the Dulci Sweets Community for several terrific reasons, and at the top of that list is you are a warrior.  A wonderful person that chooses to See the Good, Do the Good, and Share the Good.

If you see something that is not right, you say something. If you see someone in need, you do something. 

I also know that you know we are far from a typical, ordinary, everyday chocolate company. 

This is a movement dedicated to helping people shine bright.

To use the God-given gifts and talents to fulfill the life assignments God has provided each of us. 

And a definite truth of life is that living it is not easy. Our best defense is having a healthy and strong body, mind and spirit to deal with, manage, and overcome.

In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, and the reality that we all deal with stress, fear, uncertainty, and doubt I want to equip you with a couple important items to achieve Steadiness despite the stress. 

First, know that you are Not alone. The vast and fast paced world can certainly make all of us feel overwhelmed, stressed out and unnoticed at times.  

Stress is real and needs to be recognized.  It affects all of us and we must be proactive with our thoughts, behaviors and actions to ensure it does not keep us from being and living our best.

Second, Allow me to give 3 ways to find and remain Steady and Stronger in the presence of Stress:  

3 A’s - easy to remember and simple to include in your day immediately. 

Anchors - your Values, Beliefs, Faith - All of us must Identify what is most important to us. In our lives, work, family, and community. 

Our anchors provide the WHY be the What. They center and guide us. 

Then they enable us to do something extremely important - Build our “Guardrails” 

Guardrails prevent you from drifting off course. Keep you on the right path. And when well defined - they make the many decisions you have to make on a daily basis SO MUCH EASIER. 

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. - Proverbs 3:6

Associations - Be aware of your surroundings. Choose wisely. Relentlessly Guard your mind. Protect your environment. 

The saying, “You will become the combined average of the five people you most often surround yourself with”, is so true. 

You will end up with the combined attitude, combined health, combined income. Be very careful, your associations don’t shove you in a direction you don’t want to go. 

Actions - Thoughts and intentions are important, but the outcomes we receive, the results we create, are ultimately determined by our actions.

Let us Run with Endurance the Race God has set before us. - Hebrews 12:1 

As in “I’m grounding myself by taking a walk around the block without my phone.”  

Sitting quietly and completing a 3-5 minute Mind-Body Scan. From head to toe. Heart to gut. Ear lobes to finger tips. 

Simply taking notice of how you are feeling - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Without being critical. 

Just Notice and Name it to learn and increase personal awareness, mindfulness and connection.

As for actions to build and support greater steadiness despite stress, start here…

Pick one and commit to following through on it for the next two weeks. Be sure it’s something you’re confident you can do consistently. 

1. EXERCISE 

Exercise relieves stress by increasing blood flow, burning calories, and 

stimulating your nervous system. 

In my opinion a most effective strategy includes a mix of intense strength training, conditioning, cardio, and low intensity recovery.

When stressors are up, decrease intense exercise; when they’re down, increase it. 

2. GET OUTSIDE

Being in nature lowers stress hormones and heart rate and improves mood and immunity, giving you motivation and energy to cope with your next challenge. 

A nice stroll down the road, shooting hoops with you kids, or simply sitting down for a few minutes, away from the noise, and complete a quality mind-body scan. 

3. PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

• Know you limits / Establish Guardrails - Honor Them!!!
• Ask for help/support when needed
• Get coaching if you feel stuck
• Get counseling if you feel helpless
• Unplug as often as possible - At Least Once Per Week

Lastly, Winning on the INSIDE is Always your first Victory!  

Beware of your self talk. The little voice inside your mind that talks a lot and can often be a negative nanny. 

Notice it. Call it out. And flip it to be positive, encouraging and full of grace. 

Please know this truth - You Are Worthy. You are important. You are loved.

Have a Steady and Strong week,

Brock 

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