In a hectic world, it's all too easy to reach the point of feeling stressed out beyond our ability to cope. Yet it's our ability to cope that makes all the difference. The point is that stress is not going to go away; it's here to stay.
If you find yourself reading a book or attending a seminar that says you can eliminate all stress, either throw the book down or leave the room.
You cannot eliminate stress. But you can learn to handle stress successfully.
Let's look at six different strategies for successfully handling the stress in our lives. Each can be used separately or in conjunction with the others.
1. Talk it out
Whatever we don't talk out, we act out. That's a basic rule of mental health. If we don't discuss the issue, it's sure to surface in some other way.
2. Take mini-vacations
It's a mistake to think that we can push hard all year (or maybe longer) and then expect that all our stress can be healed in a one or two week vacation. It just doesn't happen.
Our bodies, minds and spirits need more frequent breaks. This is especially true if you are one of those people who schedules a vacation as they would a typical work day, so as to get the most out of it.
3. Distinguish between stress and pressure
Stress comes from the outside; pressure, on the other hand, is an inside job. Pressure is what we tell ourselves about the stress.
Here's a saying I came across recently:
"All the water in the ocean can't sink a ship unless it gets inside."
Sometimes, telling ourselves something as simple as "I can handle it" is all we need to keep the stress outside of us.
4. Create your own relaxation triggers
This exercise involves three simple steps that allow you to relax anywhere, any time.
Step 1: Picture yourself in a relaxing place. Create as much detail as you can in the picture, making it bright and colorful. Immerse yourself in the scene: See it, hear it, feel it.
Step 2: While you are picturing yourself in this place, create an immediate trigger that will instantly remind you of the relaxed feeling. It could be a snap of the fingers, a word or phrase, or a mental picture. It should quickly and strongly remind you of your relaxing place.
Step 3: When you find yourself in a stressful situation, simply fire off your relaxation trigger and feel the almost-instant relief.
5. Stop worrying
That sounds too simple, but just consider for a moment: What good, what change has come about from worrying?
6. Take action
Do something about what is causing you to worry. It's difficult to worry when you are busy doing something about it.
This list began with a suggestion that you talk about your stress. That's a good idea, most of the time. It can become a bad thing, though, if that's all you do.
To make stress work for you, it's essential that you take concrete action.
So there are six strategies for making stress work for you. Here's one more suggestion: Practice one of these each day for the next six days.
At the end of those six days, you'll have strong tools for dealing with stress.
Visit secretsofgreatrelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.
recurring maid service Buffalo Grove ..It is very true that, unfortunately, many people look to... Read More
Many people go through the motions during Christmas. If not... Read More
An excellent stress reducer can be something as simple as... Read More
Q. Help! I moved from the Dallas to Denver. I... Read More
Do you attack problems and solve them or do you... Read More
When I pay attention, I clearly see the arresting ways... Read More
Are you a "worry wart?" Is that term familiar to... Read More
Have you ever considered sewing a handbag as an act... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
Stress is amazingly persistent, even seductive. We get used to... Read More
Take a moment to think about the week that just... Read More
Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More
26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More
Meditation seems to have arrived in the mainstream of late,... Read More
Life is so busy and as mothers we spend so... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
If you have never tried combining your breathing exercises with... Read More
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYSExperts in the stress management field have... Read More
THE ENCHANTED SELF? teaches you how to access positive states... Read More
How much attention is paid to one of the biggest... Read More
Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More
Q: Someone told me that the Chinese symbol for crisis... Read More
Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More
The predominant role human conditioning plays in a stressful environment.... Read More
In his book, The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness, author... Read More
premium house cleaning Glenview ..Life is funny.Throughout the day, there are plenty of humorous... Read More
1. The Law of StagnationThis is also known as first... Read More
If you're like most people, you have your bouts of... Read More
We all know that stress levels in the workplace are... Read More
I love a good story and I know I'm not... Read More
Stress is an interpretation of an event or circumstance which... Read More
1. Take a relaxing bath. Add music, candles and a... Read More
In order to free ourselves from the pain of anger... Read More
When something happens in our lives, we automatically assess the... Read More
Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More
Workers across America will tell you that stresslevels are increasing.... Read More
Use these simple tips to minimize stress in your day... Read More
Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
So many of us live a stressful life. Unfortunately, when... Read More
One of the ways I have avoided a lot of... Read More
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More
What is Stress?Stress may be defined as the three-way relationship... Read More
It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More
Stress and anxiety can prematurely age our mind and body.... Read More
What do you do when you wake up in the... Read More
You can learn a lot by watching children playing. There... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
This is the time for daydreaming about your annual vacation.... Read More
Are you a "worry wart?" Is that term familiar to... Read More
Do you get frustrated with your spouse, your kids, your... Read More
Stress Management |