Becoming a Resilient Person - The Science of Stress Management

Floral Clock Gardens in Guelph, ON- tranquility at its finest

Just an update here. The online course that I am taking called: Becoming a Resilient Person - The Science of Stress Management has been quite interesting and helpful. Last week's topic was all about mindfulness vs mindlessness when it comes to dealing with stress. Keep in mind, having stress is part of being human and we need some of it in our lives. Without having stress is highly problematic. HOWEVER, we need only a *moderate* amount. When stress begins to impact our daily thoughts and behaviours, relationships with others, etc... that's when problems escalate and we need to start on a new path to get it under control. 

Practicing mindfulness-based practices (ex. meditation) are helpful and can be done in so many different ways. They also have an array of benefits both physically and mentally. You might not experience the positive feelings all at once though or even see a difference right away, but I'd say it's more of a gradual change and varies from person to person, based on numerous factors. It is not an easy process, but worth the on-going effort to have that sense of calmness instead of feeling like you're on auto pilot 24/7.

For next week's lesson (I am assuming it will be on gratitude and aspects of that topic based on the quote below), the prof gave a little blurb, which I thought was inspiring, so enjoy.

"I'd encourage you to take stock of the things that you're grateful and thankful about. There are many things in our lives, both large and small, that we might be grateful about. Think back over the past week and write down up to five things in your life that you are grateful or thankful for. We call this counting our blessings versus our burdens. Gratitude is about paying attention to what's right about life rather than what's wrong. We all are in different places, but we can all work to find the silver linings or blessings that enter our lives. The better we get at exhibiting gratitude and appreciation for others, our environment, and the world around us, the better we think, feel, and behave."