3 Simple Ways To Fight Stress and Overwhelm

I have found that there are simple tools we can use as de-stressors when the world seems overwhelming.

3 of my favorites de-stressors to fight stress and overwhelm are:

1) Meditate or pray. 

If you don’t have a meditation practice, it can be as simple as saying to yourself, “breath in, breath out” or it can be Tonglen, a buddhist practice where you release your fear of suffering.

Pema Chodren explains it in her book Welcoming the Unwelcome.

2) Build a foundation of self-care practices to support your success. 

As a busy professional or entrepreneur, it’s so important to practice self-care and stay connected to your purpose, so you can be grounded in times of crisis or deep stress.

I often discuss passion, priorities, and self-care, like I did in this episode of Craft of Consulting, and I invite you to listen in so you can gain insight about the balance between giving and receiving; how to feel energized; techniques for breath control when dealing with stress; journaling to stay present and reflect on intentions; and so much more.

3) Read or chant.

The wisdom from our ancestors who come from all around the world. 
You can read those words as ways to remember our connections with something larger. 

Some of my favorite chants, prayers or sayings are:

“Glory be the mothers, and the daughters, and of the holy sisterhood, as it was then, is now snd shall ever be, love without end. 

“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”  translates to “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

Metta/Compassion Prayer:

“May we all be well, happy and peaceful, May no harm come to us, May we all have patience, courage, understanding, and determination to meet and overcome inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life. May our parents, our teachers and mentors, our friends and may all living beings across the world…be well, happy and peaceful. May no harm come to them, May they also have patience, courage, understanding, and determination to meet and overcome inevitable difficulties, problems, and failures in life.”

Bodhisattva Prayer shared by the Dalai Lama: 
“May I be a guard for those who need protection,

A guide for those on the path,
A boat, a raft, a bridge for those who wish to cross the flood.
May I be a lamp in the darkness,
A resting place for the weary,
A healing medicine for all who are sick
A vase of plenty, a tree of miracles.
And for the boundless multitudes of living beings
May I bring sustenance and awakening,
Enduring like the earth and sky
Until all beings are freed from sorrow
And all are awakened.

 – Shantideva

Meal Prayer: 

“We reverently pray for eternal harmony in the universe.
May the weather be seasonable, 
May the harvest be fruitful, 
May countries exist in harmony, 
And may all people enjoy happiness. “

– Anonymous

What are some simple ways you say good-bye to stress? Share how you fight stress and overwhelm in the comment section!