I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to improve the way they handle life’s ups and downs. If you’re smart, you’ll discover the things that work best for you to reach that goal. Unfortunately,
stress is a part of our lives these days. Here are eight things you can try to find the things that will help you stay calm and combat stress.
1. Start your day with less stress.
This is one of my favorites. I schedule time each morning to get my day started with less stress. Depending on my mood, I take that time to meditate, do yoga, read, go for a walk or write in my journal. This starts my day with a clear mind and
positive outlook.
2. Exercise.
Going to the gym to get my body moving is another way I like to
de-stress. I take that time to work through IT, whatever IT is for the day. I work hard to leave IT at the gym to help me enjoy the rest of the day.
3. Get creative.
I was surprised by the results of the adult finger painting class I took recently. I left the class relaxed and joyful. The picture I made with just my fingers amazed me, my husband and my children! You might also like adult coloring books. Try getting lost in the picture and your mind will leave negative thoughts behind.
4. Talk to yourself nicely.
You can call positive self-talk affirmations, or just think of them as a way to reduce stress. In fact, we are what we think, and negative self-talk is self-defeating. For example, if you hear yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” consciously change your self-talk to something more like, “I’ll get this done if I just take one step at a time.”
5. Learn how to avoid negative people.
If you surround yourself with
negative people, you’ll find yourself being negative, too. Find ways to minimize the time you spend around negative people; the odds are you can’t change them.
6. Identify emergency stress releasers.
Since you can’t eliminate stress, find your own solutions when you feel yourself in a stressful situation. Try things like counting to 10 before you speak, taking a series of deep breaths, driving in the slow lane rather than weaving through traffic, smelling a rose, or smiling at strangers.
7. Find simple pleasures.
Don’t wait for an extended vacation to relax. Do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
8. Don’t second-guess yourself.
Don’t dwell on stressful situations. Avoid asking, “What if I’d done this instead of that?”
Life can be so much sweeter if you empower yourself and make a conscious commitment to handle stress more effectively.
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Wanda Sealy created Multi-Task-Her Coaching and Consulting Services to assist ambitious working mothers like herself. An experienced coach, Wanda has an uncanny ability to help women identify and address the core issues that are holding them back, allowing them to be the inspired and empowered people they were born to be. If all you have are questions, Wanda will help you find the answers. To learn more about Wanda and her company visit www.multitaskher.com or email her at [email protected].