How to Destress: One Branch At a Time

It’s the little things that become the big things. I call it the “Snow on the branch” effect. When seemingly small committments start to pile up, slowly and quietly, like snow on a branch. Overtime, the snow hardens and becomes ice, making it difficult to remove. Then one day, the branch breaks. It couldn’t hold another flake. Just a few more ounces caused the branch to snap.

How do these seemingly small ounces show up in your life? A new project, errand, or commitment could make this happen pretty quickly. Sometimes ove
ight.

You can discover how to destress by being aware of the “snow” on your branches. Doing so could help you relieve frustration, exhaustion, and burn-out. Leaving you feeling relaxed and energized.

See Your Branches . . . Heavyr
Create a mental image of what you have on your branches. You may notice snow piling up in some areas more than others. Where might that be? You may need to ask yourself, “Where I am feeling heavy snow on my branches?”

How does it feel to carry this much weight? You have to be conscious of the weight. Know the real price of the weight you carry. A few new ounces may stop you from having the energy for a relaxing walk with your family. A little more pressure could make you decline a long lunch with a dear friend. When you see your branches as heavy, you become more conscious. You’ll be more aware of the real price of a little snow.

Feel Your Branches . . .Lighterr
Imagine yourself lifting snow off those branches, before it has time to freeze. With support from a friend, group, or personal consultant, you catch it in time. They’ve asked you, “As you glance over those branches, what would you lift first and why?” How did you respond?

By feeling your branches lighter and inviting support, you go from feeling stressed out and alone in the process, to relaxed and confident. All with support by your side.

A good friend once shared, “That beautiful Evergreen with the snow glistening on its branches, reminds me of one thing: some commitments, as beautiful as they are, may be for another time. Possibly after some of the snow melts.

So, before you offer to help out and give your heart to one more ounce, look deeper at the snowflakes already lying on your branches.

Copyright 2011. Asia Sharif-Clark. All rights reserved.