Personal space
From Lowering Stress Naturally
Feelings of stress can seem very overwhelming, and the situations that cause them are often outside our control. Stress is basically our built-in response to things that threaten our well-being, and while we cannot always change our circumstances in life, we can at least affect our environment in ways that can soothe those emotional and physical responses.
We process life through our senses-- it is the things we see, hear, touch, taste and smell that throw us off balance or make us feel secure. Of course the process is so complex and instantaneous that we are usually totally unaware of it, but if we can isolate some of the things that trigger both feelings of tension and feelings of comfort in ourselves, we can begin to take control of our environment in a way that will promote health and more peaceful living.
A good place to start is to notice the sensual input that spells comfort and well-being to you. What colors and textures make you feel relaxed? Add a chenille throw, luscious throw rug, or patchwork quilt to your bedroom. Surround yourself with objects you enjoy and appreciate. Simplify and organize the clutter. Notice what smells you enjoy and use them in your bath, on your body, in your living space. Cut down on noise pollution by turning off the television and radio unless there is something you specifically want to catch. Instead, put on a favorite CD or just appreciate the silence. Pull curtains open to let in the sunshine; on gloomy days or at night, light candles for a cozy feel. Give a hug to people when you meet them, snuggle in bed with your kids, and cuddle with your spouse. Even small things like wearing an itchy sweater or being overheated or too chilly can translate stress to your body and mind, so dress for comfort.
As you begin to pay more attention to the things that relax you, the little things that irritate and annoy will be thrown into sharper relief and you can begin to address those issues as well. Brainstorm and get creative with the problem solving; our lives tend to fall into ruts that are not necessarily healthy, and it may take some creative energy and ingenuity to form new, more beneficial patterns of living.
We tend to focus on the big things in life and take for granted the trivial and every day, yet it is the small things that we are most able to change, and those small details can make a big difference in our quality of life and our ability to function.
~las