Have you ever been so overwhelmed with stress that you felt like SOBBING?
 
If you have never attempted to RELIEVE stress through SOBBING, I highly suggest that you do!
 
(Wait!  Please don't begin sobbing literally...  I’m talking about something else!)
 
No, I’m not talking about crying at this time, although that's a good idea too.  Crying is a great tension reliever.  Tears help remove toxic by-products of stress.
 
However, I am talking about practicing a different kind of SOBBING... 

This simple stress management activity is guaranteed to stop your fight or flight response dead in it's tracks.

 

Here's how it works....

 

As soon as you become aware that you are feeling stressed…

Have a SOBS session…..
 
Stop-Observe-Breathe-Shift
S-O-B-S
 
You may need to repeat this process several times a day if you're having a really stress-full day.  Each time you recognize that you're experiencing stress,  I encourage you to Stop-Observe-Breathe-Shift.  You can do it anytime, anywhere, even in a room full of people.
 
When you practice SOBBING, (SOBS …SOBS…SOBS…) you neutralize the stress response, erase the negative effects of stress on your body, and shift all your internal systems towards a state of balance.  And, all this can happen in less than a heartbeat. 

 

Please don't underestimate the power of this simple stress management technique...

It ABSOLUTELY works!
 
In fact, practicing SOBS is so beneficial for you, that I recommend you use it to prevent stress.  Make it a habit to periodically "check-in" with yourself  throughout the day and take a brief "time-out" to do this.  You may want to even schedule it into your day by putting it on your daytimer, palm pilot, Blackberry, or your computer.  Add a SOBS session to your beginning, middle, and end of day routine.
 
Here's the key....as soon as you notice your body sending you early warning signals of stress, that's your cue to begin SOBBING.
 
Take a moment right now to practice this simple transforming technique:
 
S--Stop.  Stop whatever you are doing, disengage your thoughts, and get comfortable.
 
O--Observe.  Pay attention to what your body is telling you right now.  Scan your body for "stress spots".
 
B--Breathe.  Breathe in very slowly through your nose. Try counting to 5 as you inhale.
Imagine the in-breath containing new life, new energy, peaceful calming positive energy.
Place your hand on your abdomen and watch your hand rise as you breathe in and your lungs expand. Keep inhaling until your lungs feel full.  Then hold your breath for a moment.
 
Now breathe out, very slowly, through pursed lips (like you're blowing out a candle).  Try counting to 5 as you exhale.
Imagine the out-breath containing stressful, negative energy, and you are releasing it from your body.
Keep your hand on your abdomen and watch your hand go back down as you breathe out and your lungs deflate.
Keep exhaling until your lungs feel empty and you can't exhale anymore.  Then hold it for a moment.
 
Repeat this entire breathing process until you feel your body relax, until your body feels quiet.