STEP 2 – CHANGE WORRY TO WONDER!
(The ESR Technique)
You’ve got your remaining worries in front of you still…right?
Now, pick only ONE worry to focus on first.
How do you feel?
Do you tense up? Are your shoulders high? Does your breathing change? Do you feel slightly uncomfortable?
This is your body’s physiological response to thought. This is proof of how our thoughts and mindset can change our body’s chemistry and physiology causing illness or feelings of dis-ease.
Kinesiology teaches us that it’s not enough to work on the mind or body alone. In order to feel relief, a sense of ease and to achieve your health and wellness goals long term, it’s important to change your thought processes and remove/shift stress from the body.
Here is one of way of doing it…
Place one hand lightly across your forehead and take a few deep breathes (see image below).
This is the EMOTIONAL STRESS RELEASE (ESR) technique, which is a simple, highly effective Kinesiology tool designed to help shift and change your perspective without the support of another person or therapist.
The ESR technique activates special reflexes which bring more blood to the frontal lobes of the brain. Front brain thinking is creative, with new options and new alternatives. When we use the front brain, we tend to find new ways of looking at old problems, new possibilities and alternative solutions. By placing a hand across the forehead, we allow the mind to open itself to an adaptive rather than protective response. This can help us to rationalise and think clearly in the moment instead of reacting to past stress/trauma.
Whilst applying the ESR technique – close your eyes and imagine (think, sense, feel) someone you respect and idolise; maybe it’s someone who loves you, respects you or knows you well.
What would they say to you? What piece of advice would they give you?
If you struggle with the thought of another person, ask yourself, what can I do or how can I see the situation differently.
Notice again how your body feels as you sort through these different ideas.
Is there an “uh ha” moment? Does this thought make you feel calm and relaxed? Do you feel a sense of lightness or ease, or is it hope?… like yeah, I could get around that idea!
THIS IS YOUR BODY’S WAY OF SAYING YES!
Trust this response and write this new perspective or action down on the opposite side of the piece of paper.
If you feel this worry has been handled and you don’t need to think about it again, THROW IT OUT. If you aren’t sure, pop it back in the box for tomorrow!
I suggest you review your Worry Box once a day… though there is ONE rule.
You are only allowed to look through this box for ½ an hour a day…. meaning that’s how long you can worry about the Christmas period 😉 Remember worrying or thinking doesn’t solve anything so if you CAN NOT take action right now, KEEP YOUR WORRIES IN THE BOX!