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Be Stress-Free: Five Principles

posted by Annie B. Bond Oct 30, 2004 3:59 pm
Be Stress-Free: Five Principles
67 comments

Adapted from The Stress-Free Habit, by John M. Perkins (Inner Traditions, 1989).

Stress is the root cause of many illnesses. In fact, how we deal with stress can make the difference between health and illness, life and death. It may alter the way we look at the world around us. It affects our feelings about ourselves. Coping with stress can increase our productivity. It can make us healthier. And it can result in fuller, happier, more relaxed lives.

Here are the five simple principles that can help you to a stress-free existence in the New Year:

1. Be who you wish to be. Whenever you find yourself contemplating the idea of becoming, stop and repeat the phrase, “I do not need to become, I will be this person beginning right now.”

2. Solve the problem. It is folly to lament the fact that you have a problem. What you must do is decide on a solution and try it.

3. Concentrate. Whatever you do, put everything into it. If you decide to be lazy, be lazy, concentrate on your laziness! When you relax, really relax.

4. Have faith. Believe in yourself, believe in the religion of your choice (if you choose one at all), believe in an idea or goal. Believe that you can conquer stress through the stress-free habit.

5. Meditate. Meditation is a vehicle for bringing the other four principles into perspective on a regular and orderly basis. Meditation is at the heart of the routine practice of the stress-free habit. It is also one of the best tools available for helping us learn to concentrate.

More on Guidance (530 articles available)
More from Annie B. Bond (3214 articles available)

67 comments

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67 Comments       add a comment »
Paul Combs

I want to be so green like Kermit.

Hans Brienesse

Yes, stress is a state of mind. Breathe deep, relax. Enjoy life and the year. Remember today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Teodora Iordanova

Thanks,friends.I will try to be better than 2007,meet alot of happyness...

Janet Sappington

A few more suggestions for getting through the January blahs. Drink plenty of spring water and eat more organic vegetables like celery and carrots and apples. Remember the old saying,"an apple a day keeps the doctor away?" My 106 year old Mother eats applesauce every day and is still living in her own home. Works for her!

cris C.

txs!!

Rhiannon Myst

Good tips. it's goal to work toward. lol Being stress free isn't easy these days.

Jeanne Macdonald

My husband is retiring and we are moving to another province after 35 years in the North. Some days I find it hard to breathe.

Ginger Waugh

Stress? What stress? I'm newly retired. ;-)

WHITE WOLF DRAGON

thanks for the information and i hope everyone had a safe and happy new year.
love and hugs to all

Anna Sebesta

I didn't have any New Year's resolutions (because they usually lead to stress) until I read this article. Now the principles are my resolutions. Happy New Year!

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Adapted from The Stress-Free Habit, by John M. Perkins (Inner Traditions, 1989). Copyright (c) 1989 by John M. Perkins. Reprinted by permission of Inner Traditions.

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