I was feeling a bit overwhelmed the other day, seeing that January had already come and gone, and was getting anxious about the things I hadn't accomplished last month that I wanted to. My to-do list was a bit daunting and I was having a hard time getting anything done. Ever felt this way?!
Then I remembered what Lily Tomlin says (who is always a source for some comic relief but also words of wisdom): "For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." Hmmm. Such an interesting concept and idea in this fast paced world we live in.
Medical research has shown that as much as 90 percent of illness and disease is in some way stress-related. While we aren't in control of all the events that happen in our lives, we do control how we respond and react to them.
So instead of continuing on my path of anxiety and screaming about how I will never get it all done, I got up and went for a 25 minute jog around the block. (Of course a 15 minute walk works too for those of you who are thinking about how much you despise running!).
Some of my other favorite strategies:
- Spend time with people who make you laugh
- Visualize yourself having a positive reaction to something that creates anger, irritation or frustration
- Learn to accept things you can't change and move forward
- Get some extra sleep at night
- And my favorite...learn to say NO!!
Remember can only focus on things that are in your control and make the best of them. There is no use wasting your energy on the other stuff.
What type of stress coping stragies work for you?
4 comments:
Thanks sara.....I was feeling the same way...couldn't believe how quickly Jan came and went....the sleep part and the saying no part I definitely need to put into action ASAP!...Thanks! - Christine
Thanks for sharing Christine!
I think that what I do a lot is stress about things that I have no control over. All of that energy that I use to think about these non-controllable things ends up being wated because no matter how hard I contemplate or try to control them I never will be able to. You're right though...the only thing that I can control concerning the uncontrollable is the way I think and act. One way that I like to do this is by writing/thinking about things that I'm sooo grateful for.
Journaling is a great strategy Natalie. I like the idea of focusing on positive things rather than just focusing on the things that are creating the stress.
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