The Art of Letting Go
I used to think I had stress all figured out. But everyone, including me, needs a reality check now and then. There I was, juggling work, family, and my day job, believing I was invincible. Little did I know, my stress levels were like a stealthy ninja, creeping up on me. The first red flag was my health. I developed hypertension, migraines were an almost daily occurrence, and I started gaining weight faster than you could say "stress eating." One night, I was convinced I was having a stroke. Cue the dramatic 911 call and a visit from EMS in the middle of the night. That, my friends, was my wake-up call. My body's way of saying, "Hey, you! Yes, you with the to-do list longer than the Nile—it's time to chill!"
I've experienced firsthand how stress can both propel and paralyze us. But what if I told you that the secret to managing stress isn't in fighting it, but in “letting go?”
Stress: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Let's start with a little myth-busting: not all stress is bad. In fact, a healthy dose of stress, often termed "eustress," can be quite beneficial. Think of eustress as the caffeine jolt before a big presentation—it sharpens your focus, boosts your energy, and gets those creative juices flowing. Eustress is a positive form of stress that acts as a motivator, helping us rise to challenges and perform at our best. It's the kind of stress that makes you feel alive, pushing you to achieve your goals and meet deadlines. Eustress is like a personal cheerleader, urging you to give it your best shot.
But then, there's the dark side of stress—distress. Distress is the uninvited guest who overstays their welcome, eats all your snacks, and leaves a mess in their wake. It's the chronic, overwhelming stress that grinds you down, affecting your mental and physical well-being. When stress levels soar beyond optimal, the impact can be profound. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress can lead to a myriad of health issues, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and a weakened immune system. In fact, 77% of people experience physical symptoms caused by stress, while 73% experience psychological symptoms.
“You can’t always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside. Let go of stress and find your calm.”
The Power of Letting Go
Now, here's where the magic happens. The primary antidote to overwhelming stress is the power of letting go. It sounds deceptively simple, but it's an art form worth mastering. Letting go doesn't mean giving up or being indifferent. It's about releasing the grip on things beyond our control, having a plan for managing stress, and focusing on what truly matters.
Below are strategies for managing stress and helping you let go:
Identify Your Stressors: First, take stock of what's causing your stress. Is it work-related pressures, personal relationships, or unrealistic expectations? Knowing your triggers is the first step toward managing them.
Accept Imperfection: Perfectionism is a notorious stress magnet. Embrace the beauty of imperfection. It's okay to make mistakes, to be human. Remember, even the most polished diamonds have flaws.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is your mental spa day. Take a moment each day to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply be present. This practice can significantly reduce stress and increase your resilience.
Movement: Exercise reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins, which work together to help you relax and reduce stress. A 10 to 20-minute walk can do wonders for your stress levels.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no. It’s a powerful word that can protect your time and energy. Set clear boundaries in both your personal and professional life to avoid burnout.
Delegate and Collaborate: You don’t have to do it all alone. Delegate tasks when possible and collaborate with others. Sharing the load can lighten your stress and build stronger connections.
Find Joy in Small Things: Sometimes, we overlook the simple pleasures in life. Take time to enjoy a good book, take a walk in the park, spending time with a good friend, or enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee. These moments of joy can act as stress buffers.
The Impact of Letting Go
When you practice the art of letting go, the impact on your mental and physical health can be transformative. You'll find yourself feeling lighter, more focused, and more energized. Your mind will be clearer, allowing you to make better decisions and be more creative. Physically, you'll notice improvements in your sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being. Most importantly, don’t try to change everything at once. Start small – with one or two things you may want to start. Once those become habit, then layer on anything new. See my blog, “The Little Habits That Could” on the benefit of focusing on small/micro habits in helping to build long-term adaptation and success.
For me, the biggest challenge was recognizing that my stress levels had moved from an optimal “eustress” to a chronic “distress” phase. Then, I had to come to terms with identifying and letting go of the things I couldn’t control. Finally, I put a plan in place for managing my stress and focusing on the things I love. My personal plan entails: (1) Meditating every morning – even it’s only for 5 minutes. (2) Going for walks, preferably outdoors, and not stressing if I don’t hit my goal of 10,000 steps a day. (3) Focusing on a writing a fictional novel, a much-delayed creative pursuit which has brought me much more joy than anticipated.
So, in the words of the wise Elsa from Frozen, "Let it go, let it go!" Embrace the power of letting go, and you'll discover a new level of freedom and peace. Remember, stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control your life. By letting go of what you can't control and focusing on what you can, you'll unlock your true potential. More importantly, your mind and body will thank you for it.