A New Resource to Help You Find Peace and Let Go of Stress

By Sheryl M. Ness, RN

A new resource, The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, by Amit Sood, M.D., a Mayo Clinic specialist in the science of stress management and resiliency, reveals how the mind affects our everyday lives. As a cancer survivor, it’s more important than ever to find ways to manage stress and increase your emotional strength and resiliency.

The book is based on more than 10 years of research on how the mind-body connection can impact our daily lives. Dr. Sood explains how to train your brain to be mindful and find gratitude on a daily basis. He outlines how a few simple changes can make a difference. Some examples:

Practice the art of novelty – look at the little things around you in a new way, as if you’ve never seen them before. Greet your family and friends as if you haven’t seen them for weeks.

Start each day with gratitude – before you even get out of bed, think about five people in your life you’re grateful for and send them a silent “thank you.”

Send kindness and blessings out to others – as your day unfolds, send out a silent “I wish you well” message to others. If you’re home alone, step out for a little walk and send your positive thoughts and blessings out to others that you meet along the way.

The concept behind Dr. Sood’s strategies is to be mindful of your thoughts, sticking to positive ones and not letting your mind wander, which can create anxiety and needless worry over something you can’t control. Making a few simple changes can help you be more balanced and engaged, which will help you let go of stress, find a sense of peace, and become more resilient.

The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living is available from the Mayo Clinic Store. To preview the book and order online, click here.