All of us at one time or another experience stress in our lives. Times right now are stressful with the state of our nations economy, high unemployment rate and the holidays upon us can cause stress for many. When we are stressed out we have dreams that reflect our state of mind, consciously and subconsiously. Sometimes the subconsious mind will create an escape dream that is kind and warm for you to get some relief from your daily worrying. But mostly when stressed our dreams will be filled with darkness, sadness and frustrating actions and if not paid attention to the dreams will turn to nightmares.
Stress or worrying can be described as “going around and around” a problem without coming to a solution to the problem. This kind of thinking can rob you of precious sleep.
One way of dealing with stressful times in our life is to get out and exercise. Daily brisk walks, a trip to the gym or dancing or something that lets you “blow off” the extra steam. In addition, when you are about to go to sleep make a deal with yourself to “put away” the problem for the night so you can sleep restfully. Or you can request an answer or insight to handling your “problem” then “sleep on it” and expect an answer when you wake up.
Program yourself to deal with your problems instead of evading them in hopes of them just going away without you facing them. This is where working with your dreams can really help. Journaling helps relieve alot stress just by getting your thoughts out on paper. You can also write down a question in your dream journal and expect an answer or insight in the morning. Remembering to record your dreams (no matter how crazy they seem upon waking,) is important, there is a message or a lead to getting to the root of the problem.
One last note, consider this, stress is caused by our personal interpretation of reality and our expectations of how things should be. By opening ourselves up and accepting things as they are and then looking at them from a non-emotional stance, even for a few moments can bring clarity and insight to handling the situation.
Many blessings and Sweet dreams.
Cheri