What do you do to relieve stress and reduce anxiety?

Do you…

Meditate? Exercise? Lift Weights? Eat Comfort foods? Drink? Smoke? Go on retreat? Do Breath-work? Deny you have anxiety? Confront the cause of your anxiety? Use relaxation/visualization techniques? Listen to Music to relax you? Do Yoga? Take medications? Watch Television?

The interesting thing is that ALL of these coping mechanisms will serve you in some way. Some will be unhealthy ways, and some will be healthy. All of these things offer an instant gratification of at least some stress relief, but there is one that has long term benefits. Can you guess which one?

It’s Meditation. If you meditate to reduce stress and anxiety your mind and body will develop strategies to handle future stress in healthy ways. In other words, you will be able to recognize stress building up, and further prevent it from causing harm to your mind and body.

Meditation is magical because it helps you adjust to so many unknown stresses.

Do you meditate? If not, it’s time you start.

I’ve created a body-centered meditation CD that is a great way to get you started. Visit http://www.beratheofpresence.com to order your Breath of Presence CD.

Reid Peterson