how to handle stress in the moment

Nope, it's not just you: We navigate in extra-stressful times.

And me too.

I feel under pressure. I want to finish that project, I can do it. Thoughts in my mind are running wild, such to uncontrolled horses. the tension on my shoulders starts to raise. My right foot nervously taps under the desk, it's a telltale sign of the stress I'm grappling with.

Pushing myself to the limit, I admit that I'm caught in the autopilot mode.

I go on,

and then…brain fog.

Bad mood.

Tension.

and a dip in self-esteem

it’s a cascade of red flag…

I feel exhausted.

I’m a highly sensitive person. I'm aware that when I push too hard, for too long period, that snowball of stress starts rolling, and stopping it becomes a Herculean task.

I know exactly how they effect on me, on my health.…but there is this stubborn, persistent voice on my head that urging me to push a little more. Almost done, it says. You have to finish this, it insists. But oftentimes, I fail.

Following that voice is, without a doubt, the worst thing to do, and yes, I struggle to learn that lesson.

And then?

I need time to recover…a lot!

But then, there are those moments when I manage to silence that voice before everything spirals out of control. When I recognize my real needs, oh my dear friend, life is different.

I consciously calm my breath, I feel my body, and give my face muscles a chance to relax. I refuel my energy level.

I take a brain mini vacation visualizing a peaceful place. I feel completely in that place. I smell the air.

I heard the sounds. Usually, I chose a place with the sea, waves creating a serene soundtrack … It's in these moments that I truly enjoy being present.

Some moments after…

I’m aware of myself in the present. Now. The real moment. Less under pressure. In control. Horses on my mind are quiet. I can start to have new thoughts. Positive thoughts.

My breath is calm, regular.

Why am I telling you this? Because You can feel exactly in the same way. We all have the capacity to use those self-care micro-moments to breathe, clear our minds, and embrace the present. It's a restart button that's always within reach.

You can use a self-care micro moment to breathe. Clear your mind. Feel the present moment.

And restart.

As an action step, I encourage you to try taking long, slow deep breaths.

Focus on your breathing and conduct a body scan, releasing tension in each part of your body.

Engage all five senses, truly feeling the emotion of being in that moment.

Consider guided imagery—conjure up soothing scenes or experiences in your mind to relax and refocus. The more detailed, the better.

And speaking of tools to cope, guided imagery is a powerful technique that involves using your imagination to create positive mental images and experiences.

Here are some ideas for imagery sessions:

Envision a Calming Oasis: Picture yourself in a tranquil oasis, surrounded by lush greenery, gentle streams, and a soothing breeze.

Sunset Beach Stroll: Imagine walking along a quiet beach at sunset, feeling the warmth of the sand beneath your feet and listening to the rhythmic sound of the waves.

The main thing I learned from a difficult period is to listen to my body. Sometimes it's your body's way of saying "if you don't take a break, I'm going to make it impossible for you to continue - to FORCE you to have a break" In those cases there really isn't a quick fix. You have to listen to your body, be extra kind to yourself.

Because the truth is, you deserve to take care of yourself for real.

You deserve to feel good.

You deserve to take care of your mind, your body and your energy.

You deserve to live every day with good energy, thinking the best, looking at the positive in others and in events. Enjoying the good moments. Enjoying your experiences without pressure or guilt.

And I’m here to remember you this.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and these small self-care moments can make a world of difference. If you'd like to share your experiences or have anything to discuss, I'm here to listen and offer support.