Stressed?? Take a Breath.

First, my heart is going out to all of those in Boston. With this, and all the other things America is experiencing as a nation, it is so easy to become overwhelmed. Tax day, financial crisis, news overload… Do you feel like the craziness of life is clogging your brain? The long to-do lists, the small details and the insanity of the news? In addition to the tragedy in Boston, here in the U.S, it’s tax day, we’re in the midst of financial crisis and gun debate.

We all have so much going on in our lives that our brains are on STRESS overload! And this isn’t healthy – or natural! Humans were only meant to experience stress for 30 seconds – enough to make a fight/flight survival decision. With the stress overload, we can't think clearly – even though that is what we need most in order to live a purposeful, healthy and happy life! We need brain clarity to remain focused on the beauty and opportunity all around us.

To make it through these tragic events with a clear head, follow these 3 easy steps to de-stress a bit:

1. Be Aware: In order to effectively work with it, you must recognize stress overload as it occurs. Too often, we become so engrossed in stressed that we are on autopilot! We begin to think that this is normal functioning. It isn’t. It’s causing an increase in poisonous hormones that are harmful to your brain and body. To become aware, you need to pay attention to your body during stress. Does your heart race? Are your shoulders tight? Is your brain full? Are you unable to concentrate? Know YOUR specific signs so that when you feel them, you know you’re on overload (and can do

step #2).

2. Breathe: When you realize that you are on stress overload, it’s time to breathe! As long as it’s safe to do so, stop whatever you’re doing and take a deep inhale in (4 counts, filling your lungs), and then a long exhale out (6 counts). Feel your shoulders relax and drop further into your exhale. Repeat. Inhale… and exhlale….

3. Find Beauty: Once in a relaxed state, find something of beauty to elongate the power of your breath. Whether a flower, a tree, a person, the sky or just a figment of your imagination (like your last beach vacation!), positivity ignites our frontal lobe, expanding our minds and capacity.

*For more tips on dealing with stress, consider talking with friends, family or a coach about your situation. Discussing our challenges and getting help in finding

solutions helps us live well and love life.

P.S.: In case you missed last week's “Words for Wednesday”, an inspiring way to get through Hump-Day, here's the latest PurposeGirl “pin” to remind us to be our best selves! Pin it toPinterest, share it on Facebook or Tweet it and you could win a mini-poster of it!