Turning Stress into Bliss

There are times when stress makes its way into our lives, and it is during these times that I like to refer to my “bliss list.” I made a conscious choice years ago to do things that bring more joy into my life. I have found that the more I participate in the activities on my bliss list, the better I feel.

By choosing to be happy and in a state of love and joy as often as possible, I find my life has a rhythm and flow to it, which aligns me with my highest good and thus increases synchronicity in my life. After all, we are creators of our universe, in an interconnected web of life. The more we choose to be in a state of love, joy, and bliss, the more it comes into our lives in the form of uplifting experiences and like-minded people. The more you give, the more you get.

I want to share some activities on my “bliss list” in the hopes that you’ll, in turn, share what lets your spirit soar.

Laughter | Really, it’s the best medicine! There is nothing like laughter to make you feel good! I highly recommend belly laughing to raise your vibration quickly and renew your sense of joy.

Artistic endeavors | We are all creators and it is important to utilize this artistic nature in a playful way. Set your angsty, perfectionistic artist aside and let your inner child play and create. Paint, draw, sculpt… take out crayons or finger paints and just have fun!

Music | Listen to something inspiring and feel your spirits lift.

Affirmations and mindful thinking | It is very important to be aware of your thinking because what you think and put out there in word and thought, is what you in turn create in your life. Purposefully begin monitoring your thinking and replace negative thoughts, ie “Bad things always happen to me,” with positive thoughts such as “My life is blessed beyond measure.” This takes some work, but reprogramming your subconscious mind will change your life.

Practice gratitude | Spend some time everyday to appreciate what you do have in your life. Call or write a friend and thank them for their loving presence in your life. This will bring about a sense of joy in you, and them. Being in gratitude is an important and powerful practice that will bring about even more things for which to be grateful.

Turning off the television | So much of what we watch on TV is steeped in fear, and out of this fear, one feels the need to watch even more. This creates a negative spiral. Turn it off! I’m not saying to tune out what is happening in the world, but do not be driven by the negativity put out by the media at large.

Reconnect with nature | Go outside. Take off your shoes and feel the Earth beneath your feet. Dig down and get your hands dirty. Go to the mountains, beach, or a local park. Love and admire the trees, plants, flowers, and birds chirping and feel the interconnectedness with all that is and ever will be, allowing that love to be returned. It will remind you of who you are and of what you are capable.

Witness a sunrise, sunset; moon and star gaze | Go outside and look up. Watching the sunrise or sunset brings such a powerful sense of bliss for me. I also love to honour the moon, stars and heavens above. It’s a wondrous place, this planet we call our home, and I feel that by appreciating it I am reconnecting.

Cooking and baking | Creating beautifully prepared meals and baking with love is a fantastic way to bring more joy into your life. There’s something so centering and loving about these activities.

Random acts of kindness | Have you tried this lately? One of my favorite “actions” has always been to pay the toll for the car behind me when I cross the Golden Gate Bridge. I try to take off before they can thank me, and I secretly hope they pass it on to the car behind them.

Exercise | I believe that there is a form of exercise out there for everybody. There are so many ways to move the body. Find something you enjoy, and do it today. Your body will thank you by pumping out endorphins, which will make you feel really good. Besides, when you look good, you feel good!

Photo: aussiegall via Flickr

Meditation | Are you meditating yet? I bet you’ll be thankful if you do. It will ground and center you, make you feel peaceful and will attune you to your inner guidance system so that you can follow your intuition.

Aromatherapy | There are many scents out there, so find the ones that you enjoy. Use high quality, essential oils to perk you up or relax you. Place a couple of drops in a hot bath, or to scent your linens (lavender is great for relaxation).
 

Sing | In the shower, in the car, wherever you are, sing! Sing loud and proud and tell me it doesn’t make you happy!

Breath work | Sit with a straight spine and just breathe into your core. Even just stopping during the day to take three deep, thoughtful breathes, will help to center you and make you feel peaceful and at ease.

Read | I have been a book lover since I was a young child. I love to immerse myself in a great story that inspires or transports me into a great fantasy. I have to believe this aids in visualization skills as well, and thus the ability to create.

Donate | Giving time, money or other services to your community creates a sense of purpose and meaning.

Social media | Our interconnectedness has evolved on the myriad of social media platforms, which bridge the global gap. It may seem counterintuitive, but I highly recommend it as a way to connect and share with like-minded individuals from around the world.

What’s on your “bliss list?”

Love and Blessings,

Antonia

Originally posted at http://soulatwork.com/