Surrendering Stress to Regain Good Health

Oftentimes, mental/emotional and physical signs of stress can feel the same.

Your mind might be racing and so might your heart.

Your insides might be all "clenched up," similar to your neck and back muscles.

The fatigue you feel from fighting everyday battles will certainly manifest in physical, mental and emotional lethargy.

These are all hit-or-miss symptoms... but the overall physical impact is just as damaging to your health. Being stressed all the time messes with your cortisol levels; which in turn decreases immunity and speeds aging.

What's the solution?

According to Dr. Judith Orloff, achieving good health is within your control. You just have to learn to let all of that stress and tension go. Your body and mind are both powerful tools, and you have explicit control over the biochemistry in your body.

If you choose to release some of that stress, it completely alters your mind/body connection.

What are some some ways you can surrender the stress and anxiety in your life?

It can be as simple as taking an adult "time out" until you can re-boot yourself.

For example, say you're in a heated argument with your spouse that's just not getting anywhere. Stop talking and take a few deep breaths. You can even do a quick meditation in those few minutes.  

Another tactic Dr. Orloff suggests is this: instead of sending out hate, send your enemies love. Get all those negative thoughts out of your head.

Third, stop being attached to being "right." It doesn't mean you're not right in that situation; it just becomes more about effectively navigating difficult situations. 

Finally, ask yourself this: are you interested in results? Or, are you only interested in holding on to resentment?

Remember, surrender is NOT giving up; it's just learning how to work with difficult situations in a different way. 

Tune in as Dr. Orloff discusses the damage not letting go can have on your physical, mental and emotional health. She also quickly touches on the importance of surrendering to grief.