Who hasn’t been frustrated by a slow driver, forgetful waitress, or boring colleague who tells the same story over and over? It’s called impatience. And sometimes it gets the best of us. Here’s what happens to your body when you feel the frustration of impatience:
- Stress hormones are released
- Heart races
- You feel out of control
This is when “living in the now” can really backfire. Especially when you feel stuck in that moment, refusing to let go of the cause of your irritation. This keeps you immobilized.
The antidote to impatience is patience. Self control. Restraint. Peace. Harmony. Which leads to relaxation, wellness, and freedom.
Here are some techniques for letting go of impatience.
- Stop. Give up. Accept that you are powerless over the situation.
- Own the moment. You’ll be more likely able to relax.
- Check out the physical sensations you’re experiencing. Where are you tense? Shoulders? Neck? Stomach? Are you clenched? Focus on the sensation and give it a name. Know what it is.
- Allow yourself to have it and release it. Don’t try to fix it. See if you can welcome and release the feelings.
When you chill out, or calm down, your powers of reasoning will return. With clarity you can calmly determine how you’ll make up the lost time, you’ll be able to patiently and supportively live through another telling of the same story, you can calmly wait out your place in line while allowing your mind to drift toward some pleasant thoughts or day dreams.
By giving up the fight, you won’t feel conflicted. Things are what they are. Know it. Accept it. And move on.
Tags: calming techniques, frustration, impatience, impatient, living in the moment, patience, relaxation techniques, releasing, stress
