I'm Having an Allergic Reaction... to life

When I think about change I get itchy. I get tightness in my chest and my face itches. The longer I sit in it, without addressing the emotion, the worse the physical outcome becomes. Eventually I realize that I'm also holding my breath, which makes the tightness so much that it's nearly unbearable... a headache forms... my heartache persists feeling like a heart attack... my stomach aches... My body starts to hurt almost entirely.

A bodily response to a negative emotion makes sense. If you think about it any emotion creates a physical response. When you are sad, tears form. When you are happy... a smile. When you are horny... I'll let you figure that response out for yourself. Emotions create physical manifestations. And anxiety is so common due to the overwhelming stress we put ourselves through that the physical responses almost become commonplace. We are numb to the pain unless it's an 8 on the 1 to 10 spectrum. And you know what's bananas? When it hits the 8-10 range it can actually manifest into serious conditions such as high blood pressure, stomach ulcerations, heart attacks, and even some cases of cancer have been noted in some medical journals.

While I'm not saying that people with cancer brought it on themselves I am saying that a little awareness can act as a preventative measure. Connected people can immediately note what their response is stemming from. They make an assessment and address the cause. But if you aren't totally aware of every little thing going on in your body you really don't know what to do. You can't treat something you don't know exists.

So how does one fix this?? How do you change the way you are currently feeling inside? There are a few options.

Option 1: Noting and Releasing

When you feel something uncomfortable going on in your body take a moment to breath. Calm down as much as you can so it doesn't escalate.
Look internally. Note if the discomfort is coming from something you are currently experiencing or if it's something you experienced in the past.
Think about ways that you can alleviate the physical pain. Have the internal conversation that you would have with a friend experiencing the same response. Ask yourself how much the feeling is controlling their body and if it is something that you can let go of. And keep breathing.
Be kind to yourself. Emotion makes most people uncomfortable - especially when it's coming from inside themselves.
Keep repeating until you're able to note the emotion and release it.

Option 2: Reframe through Self Care **in no particular order.

Think happy thoughts. Julie Andrews wasn't kidding when she sang A Few Of My Favorite Things. Actually thinking about things that make you happy can change the serotonin levels in your brain and persuade you that life is meant for smiles.
Nourish yourself. Make sure that you are getting the right nutrients in your diet. Junk Food doesn't give you the proper balance in everything from digestive function to hormonal function. A body out of balance creates a mind out of balance.
Hydration nation. Our bodies are are 50-65% water. And according to Medical Daily 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. Get your water on and see how it benefits you.
Get some fresh air. I'm a big supporter of breathing. Taking the time to get out of where you physically are... take a walk around the block... feel a breeze on your face... It's a small thing that can make a world of difference.
Smell some good things. Apparently things like peppermint and citrus can immediately affect the mood you are in. They energize and enlighten. Find the scents that make you feel lighter and make sure that they are handy should you need a midday pick-me-up.
Listen to music or dance your little tush off. I've said this before and I will say it again... I'm a big supporter of private dancing. Put on some guilty pleasure music and dance alone in your room, apartment, house... do it and look in the mirror as you do. Don't judge yourself for doing something funny. Laugh with yourself and enjoy it.
Get some Z's. Emotional stresses can lead to insomnia and without sleep you lack focus, energy and stamina. All things that are a never-ending spiral into deeper and deeper emotional problems creating a well so deep it's hard to get out of. Find a way to get some solid sleep. Skip the bar. Go to the gym before bed. Drink a cup of sleepy time tea. Journal all your feelings to get them out of your head. Do whatever you need to do to get some shut eye and thank me in the morning.

We are complicated and emotion-filled entities. And our minds often hide that which hurts us in order to protect us. So connect with your mind and feel better. Do these kindnesses for yourself now so that you don't have to do something heavier in the future.