These are stressful times, to put it simply. But stress does not need to mean distress, or suffering. Whenever you recognize that you’re feeling distressed, and you’re ready to release and reduce those feelings, this exercise can help.
The theory behind this Stress Reduction Exercise is twofold:
You want to prepare your nervous system through regulating your breathing
You want the Adult area of your brain (Upper Cerebral Cortex) to guide the Parent (Frontal Lobe) and Child (Temporal Lobe) areas so you can think effectively
Before you even begin, ask yourself: On a scale of 0 (fully at ease) to 10 (extremely distressed), how do I feel?
RE-ASSESS: Once you’ve completed the Distress Reduction Exercise, ask yourself again: On a scale of 0 (fully at ease) to 10 (extremely distressed), how do I feel? How much did this exercise help release distress? The more often you do this exercise, the less distress you will experience, and the more quickly you’ll be able to release it.
For an audio version of the Distress Reduction Exercise, see below!
For more in-depth information about the 8 Friday’s Laws, read or listen to the book Friday’s Laws, How to Become Normal When You’re Not, and How to Stay Normal When You Are.
NEWLY RELEASED
Your audio guide to reducing distress, even in the face of stress, read by the author. Listen to it in full (22 minutes), or take what you need when you need it: the 4-6 breathing exercise (3 minutes) or a focus on any one of the eight Friday’s Laws. Provided as a direct digital download you can save and listen to on your device or computer.
Find the FREE companion PDF here.