A few weeks ago, I found myself at an audition for a yoga teaching position in a studio. Despite having taught thousands of hours of yoga and knowing my capabilities as a teacher, the jitters were still present: my heart was beating faster, butterflies danced in my tummy, and my palms turned clammy. Sound familiar? But instead of letting them overwhelm me, I leaned into them.

Why? Because I’ve learned that stress in these situations can actually be helpful. It’s a boost, sharpening focus and reminding us that what we’re doing truly matters to us.

Stress makes us feel more alive, helping us rise to challenges when we harness its power effectively. If we allow it to paralyze us, then it’s time to reframe that stress response – turning fear into excitement.

I recently shared more about this on my Instagram post titled “Nerves vs. Excitement.” Feel free to check it out for some insights!

Yes, We’ve all been told that chronic stress is a big no-no (and that’s 100% true) but guess what? Our perception of stress might be more important than we realize.

It is a big factor in how your body will cope, using it either to thrive (growing out of your comfort zone) or to protect you (staying safe or holding you back). Both are necessary in life, but your perception will make a huge difference on how it affects you mentally and physically.

So what if you could change your tolerance to stress or your perception of the jitters and discomfort? It’s time to flip the script on stress.

Believe it or not, stress isn’t always the villain it’s made out to be. In fact, it (eustress, for the fancy name) can serve a purpose, helping us stay alert, build resilience, and even deepen our connections with others.

As we dive into Stress Awareness Month this April, let’s explore three tips for mastering stress:

1. Shift Your Mindset: Instead of viewing stress as the enemy, try reframing it as a natural response that can sharpen your focus and prepare you for challenges ahead.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Take a moment to pause and check in with yourself. Mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, can help you manage stress by grounding you in the present moment and allowing you the gain perspective and remind yourself that actually, You’ve got this!.
3. Seek Support: Remember, you’re not in this alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a trusted professional for support when stress starts to feel overwhelming (distress).

Ready to give mindfulness a try? I’ve got just the thing for you! Click here to access a beginner-friendly guided meditation (6 minutes) designed to bring calm into your day.

Let’s make this Stress Awareness Month a time for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Embrace the stress, acknowledge its presence, and watch how it transforms from a burden into a catalyst for positive change.

Here’s to a month filled with mindfulness, self-care, and stress-smart living!

Warm regards,

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