Under stress at home?
Author: Maharishi Ayurveda Date Posted:15 December 2015
The key to resolving home stress is often the "C" word… COMMUNICATION
Stress at home can arise from any situation. A new baby in the house, sleep deprivation, illness, injury, personal habits, hobbies, unpaid bills, outside work commitments, drugs, drinking, unwelcome visitors. The list goes on.
This week take a moment to be aware of how you communicate at home.
Whatever the situation, we have to be brave, open and honest, and face up to what is the root cause of the stress. We have to communicate.
Problem is, very often we can't find the words to convey how we feel. Putting our cards on the table is never as easy as it sounds. Someone is possibly going to be hurt. Use the following steps to good communication to reduce your home stress this week and increase your chances of feeling heard and resolving problems amicably.
The Steps To Good Communication
Non-verbal communication is 80% of the message you send to the other person, i.e. the way you say something is more important than the words you use. So when you approach someone, remember these simple Steps to Good Communication;
- Smile at the person Make them feel at ease and let them know its okay and it's safe to talk with you
- Tone of voice Warm friendly tone, not icy or sarcastic
- Eye contact Don’t stare but do show interest or be attentive to the other person
- Posture Open and relaxed postures are best – take some deep breaths and relax
- Space Too close and the person may feel intimidated, too far away and they can’t talk easily. Usually one arm’s length is a comfortable distance.
Support
If you don't feel confident in expressing yourself verbally, take time to write a letter. Do this in private. Take your time to get your thoughts in order. When you are satisfied you can choose whether to give it to the other party, or use it to help you through your discussion.
Confide in another family member or friend you can trust. They might be a useful intermediary.
Employ the services of your priest, pastor, social service groups, or professional counsellor.
Targeted herbals can be very helpful for you: Take 1- 2 tablets of Stress Relief prior breakfast and evening meals and 1-2 tablets of Worry Free 30 minutes after meal. This combination has helped a number of my clients to feel calm and centred.
Add in Tranquilitea and the conversation may well go more easily!
In summer Pitta aroma oil can help to cool down hot tempers. If you have a tendency to worry and fear the worst then Vata aroma oil is very calming and grounding. It’s amazing how effective aromas are at helping to creating an easy space that is conducive to good communication (for everyone in the house!)
Can't See The Woods For The Trees?
Seek help... do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help from groups and people who are trained to tactfully pilot us through our problems. They deal with similar situations every day. You will not be the first person to approach them with your particular issue. The issues you are facing may be resolved far more easily than you think.
Home Stress Survival Tool
If you can, don't allow the discussion (especially if there is recrimination and anger involved) to be caught up in the four walls of the home. Go to a park or a beach where the impact of possibly cruel or angry words can evaporate and disappear into the clear, fresh air.
Wishing you balance and success in your communication.
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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