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Reducing Stress by Staying in the Now

In today’s culture it is quite common to be stressed. It has in fact become so common that it is considered normal. The truth of course is that stress of any form causes undue strain on the physical and mental stability of a body and can lead to permanent irreversible damage in extreme cases.

The maximum amount of stress in humans is caused by their unconscious habit of worrying about the future. We tend to create negative futuristic situations in our minds or imagine the various tasks and deadlines that need to be met in the future. The continuous preoccupation with future robs us of any peace of mind in the present. It generates negative energy and drains positive energy.

Learning to stay in the now

If you find yourself continuously fretting about the future and staying stressed because of it, then it is time to consider breaking this harmful habit. Thinking about the future is an addiction with most people and hence it is important to consciously come out of it. The only way to stop thinking about the future is to access the power of presence.

Shift your focus from the future obsessed mind and bring your attention to the present moment. Look around you, feel your breathing, become conscious of the sensations inside your body and experience the deep stillness in which the noise of mind arises. Your mind will tend to go blank for a few moments when you shift your attention to the present moment and this will bring you immense peace.

Make the plans and shift your focus back to now

Instead of worrying unduly about the future, just make some concrete plans and put them on paper. Once you have done this you can stop obsessing about the future and let your focus stay in the present moment. If you are unable to come up with any plans then just learn to trust life and believe that a solution will make itself present in the due course of time. There is no problem that does not have a solution.

Allowing for the space of presence in your life

When you stay in the now you will feel your presence more intensely – this state of presence is very powerful and intelligent. You can find the most creative solutions and ideas while you reside in the state of presence than when you are lost in the stream of thoughts. You can simply rest in this presence completely trusting life to take care of you – it’s like resting in the lap of God.

Don’t be drawn into every fearful thought

When you try to stay present you will become conscious of several thoughts running through your mind. Now you have the choice of completely ignoring the noise in your head and focusing your attention in the now. You can also stay in pure awareness of the thoughts generated by your mind without getting involved in them. You will be surprised at the transformation that will take place when you do this.

In conclusion, there is no pay off for stressing about an imagined future situation. There is not reality to the future except as a thought – you cannot deny the truth of this statement. By staying in the now you will allow a space in which creative solutions can manifest and you will be more at peace with your life.

About the author: Article by Outofstress.com staff author. Please do not reproduce without permission.