Is shamanism the answer for stressed out Brits?
WHETHER it’s meeting work deadlines or juggling a host of hectic social engagements there is no doubt we are under more pressure now than we have ever been.
More than 40 per cent of Brits feel stressed most of the time
In a recent study 44 per cent of Britons admitted to feeling stressed most of the time.
And there’s no doubt that living like this can have a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing. When we are relaxed we are happier as well as having more energy, creativity and motivation.
But how can you banish stress and live a happier life?
According to shamanic psychotherapist Abby Wynne, the answer lies in a practice dating back to the Stone Age.
Shamanism, explains Abby, who lives in Dublin, involves reaching an altered state of consciousness in order to interact with your spirit.
Incorporating these simple shamanic practices into your daily life, she says, can help you beat stress for good.
The stresses of daily life can leave you feeling disempowered
Don’t be afraid to say “no” to people
Reclaim your power
The stresses of daily life can leave you feeling disempowered so learn how to take your power back.
Learn how to take your power back
Visualise it as a big ball of light and imagine yourself holding on to it at all times. If the demands of others are getting on top of you, you need to take your power away from those people and bring it back to you.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, visualise your ball of light as a balloon that gets bigger and bigger until it can push things away from you and you feel you have more space.
Don’t be afraid to say “no” to people. In order to have time to yourself it’s important not to take on too many commitments and spread yourself too thinly.
Giving yourself some space will help you to think things through
Listen to your body
In order to work out how you’re really feeling try this simple exercise. Sit upright with your feet on the floor, soften your shoulders and relax. Move your awareness to your stomach and soften it, breathing in and out. Release any tension in your body.
Ask yourself how you feel – you will feel the answer. Ask your body and heart if they need anything. Make a commitment to give it to yourself.
This Morning: Noel Edmonds says stress gave him cancer
Feel your emotions
If you are upset then give yourself time to experience it. Listen to your emotions rather than running away from them. Be patient with yourself. Giving yourself some space will help you to think things through.
Sit with your feet on the floor and take a few deep breaths. Turn your attention inwards and breathe, saying: “I give myself permission to feel these emotions, I let these emotions pass through me.” Let the emotions flow through your body and out into the ground.
Jane Fonda's Light Aerobics & Stress Reduction Program
Create your reality
If you believe things will be difficult they will be – so think positive. Make a list of what you want. Choose one at a time and imagine you’ve already achieved it. Think about what needed to be done to get there.
Let joy in
When life is stressful the idea of feeling joyful may seem remote. But by letting joy into your life you’ll feel happier and lighter. Sit with your feet on the ground. Breathe out any heaviness and anxiety and say: “I give myself permission to feel more joy in my life.” Imagine joy as a ball of light coming towards you. Let the ball of light come into your body. Breathe in and picture peace, calm and happiness.
To order a copy of How to be Well by Abby Wynne (Hay House, £10.99) call the Express Bookshop on 01872 562 310 or visit expressbookshop.co.uk