STRESSED?
Are you feeling stressed out? You can’t imagine it, but stress show on your face! You don’t want to look like this at work, do you?
Think outside the box! This phrase often refers to novel, creative and smart thinking.
“According to consultants of the 1970s and 1980s tried to make their prospective clients feel inferior by presenting them with the puzzle. The challenge is to connect the dots by drawing four straight, continuous lines that pass through each of the nine dots, and never lifting the pencil from the paper. The puzzle is easily solved but only if you draw the lines outside the confines of the square area defined by the nine dots themselves. Thus, the phrase “thinking outside the box” was born. ”
You’ve gone far enough to look up “stress management” and read this post thus far, now think outside the box and begin to change your life!
Granted for some individuals out of control stress management requires medical help, perhaps anti-depressants, counseling, yoga classes, or general therapy; stress management help from a source that can be your motivator and guide you. That is fine. Help is out there!
YOU, however, may be one of the self-motivated individuals who are able to make life changes with just a bit of knowledge and a burning desire to have less stress in your life. There are plenty of you out there – just too many of you, know you need it, but when it comes down to practice, says: “I just don’t have time.”
If you IGNORE your stress now it will accelerate with fervor, and sooner or later plow you down like an innocent bystander. Take action now and save mental and physical woes that will come without you doing anything about managing your stress.
Here are a few simple thoughts to mull over to help get you started.
When you adopt a positive outlook you create a shift in your outlook. Instead of seeing a set of problems before you, see opportunities and challenges. Instead of feeling hopeless about any stressful scenario, feel hopeful. By focusing on the things that do work well, you are inviting more of the same.
Your brain is adaptable. “Scientists use the term ‘plasticity’ to describe the brain’s ability to adapt. It’s a simple idea with big implications. If some brain cells are lost through normal aging, others can often pick up the slack. Existing connections may be fine-tuned. The remaining cells also may grow new dendrites-branches that receive messages from other cells.
“The upshot: Specific areas of your brain may actually grow as a result of particular experiences. Certain areas may function more efficiently, too.” (excerpt from Healthy Living)
What this means to you is that you can use almost any stressful experience to grow new brain cells and refine your brain. The trick is to adapt that positive train of thought and made the problems challenges instead of dreaded problems.
This power is all kick started from within you and if you are tired of the way things are, pull it together and CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Five Easy ways to get started
1. Practice mindful breathing. Not familiar? Simply put: breathe in through the nose, and exhale through the mouth.
Every time you feel stressors getting the best of you – slow down and breathe. (For more details on this refer to previous posts – with detailed information)
2. If you think ANY negative words or feelings, replace them with two positive thoughts.
Example:
I can’t = I will, Ican
I’m miserable = I’m happy, I’m grateful
no = yes, will do
I’m fearful = I’m brave, I’m empowered
things will never change = this too shall pass, change is a guarantee
Teach your changing brain to respond to life experiences with smart thoughts that blossom into changes for the better.
3. Don’t take everything so seriously. The “party” was going before you arrived, and will be here after you leave. Allow you to have some fun. Prioritize what is REALLY most important.
4. Smile more often. It doesn’t matter if others do or not. Smiling actually makes you feel better. Just do it. If you smile at someone and they scowl or ignore you then just remember they must be more unhappy than you. Send them a blessing.You will feel better than if you allowed them to take your happiness away.
5. Know that no matter how you want to control things – most things are simply out of our control. The only thing you really have control over is your response to life! Things usually work out, and sometimes better than you expected initially.
CREATE a wonderful day and you will change your life and the lives of those in your world. Pray (and / or meditation) never hurts!