In partnership with
LIVE LIFE WELL
Introducing the “Offload” for Fast Stress Relief
When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I do an Offload. 5 minutes. One timer. Total mental clarity.
How to do an Offload:
Grab some paper and a pen.
Set a timer for 5-10 minutes.
Start writing down everything on your mind that is bothering you, causing anxiety or worry, things that are causing stress or frustration.
Next, circle only what you can control this week. (Like the war in Iran is likely not one you can move the needle on.)
Ignore the rest (for now).
Then, go back to the ones you circled and make a small note about what action you can take.
This gets things out of your head so that your body can relax. It also helps you focus on things that you can control.
My Personal Experience with Offloads ~
I have used this 5 times since I heard of the concept, although I altered it a bit and changed the name. I am completely sold on it. Each of the 5 times made a big difference in my mood, my stress level, and feeling that I can confidently move forward.
Offload experience of one of my clients ~
Let’s call him Simon. He has multiple severe health issues, pressing financial problems, teenager troubles, and job stresses. One day I asked him to try this while we were on our Zoom session. Simon said he didn’t like writing things down because he has to write a lot for his job. But he agreed to do the exercise when I offered to write it down as he “offloaded” his thoughts.
Afterwards, I mailed his list to him so he could do the circling part. I was hoping he would do it.
At our next session Simon said he did the circling bit. And he tried the Offload again all on his own. He even reached over to get a piece of paper across his desk. “Look”, he said. “This one is even colored-coded. Orange is for…”. I didn’t hear the rest. I lost my focus on what he was saying because I was so surprised.
And he looked different than I had ever seen him. He looked brighter and healthier. Happier and less stressed.
Why Care about Stress
Managing stress is less about “feeling and looking good” though, and more about maintaining your body’s operating system.
For one, stress raises cortisol which leads to higher blood sugars, which leads to higher insulin levels, which lead to weight gain and inflammation. The biological chain reaction that you DO NOT WANT.
“A tranquil heart is life to the body...” Proverbs 14:30
Perspective goes a long way. “In the face of all eternity, does ___________ really matter?” 99.9999% of the time, ___________ does not.
“So, do not worry about tomorrow'; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Matthew 6:34
In conclusion
The Offload really is a powerful tool in shifting your ruminating negative thoughts and feelings into a place where you can more objectively look at things, do an assessment and move forward.
I hope you try it. If you do, I would love for you to hit REPLY and let me know how it worked for you.
Please share this article with any friends or family that you think might be interested in it. Thank you in advance.
You can subscribe below if you are not already a subscriber.
And lastly, if you are interested in finding out more about working with me as your health coach, you can book a complimentary 20-minute Intro Call .
Offloaded & calm,
~Vanessa
www.vanessamarsden.com
Instagram @wellnessadventure_RN
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
