Fortunately, there are several methods for managing stress. One of the best ways to approach stress is to re-frame the way you see it. Most people see stress as “bad” or something to be avoided at all costs. But stress is actually an indicator that tells us when and how to respond to conditions and circumstances that pose a risk to our safety or survival. Framed in this manner, stress can (and should) be seen as “good”.
So, in the true spirit of re-framing things, consider the following three recommendations to help reduce the stress in your life so you can quickly return to a positive mindset, a healthy outlook, and a purpose-directed lifestyle on the road to your definition of success.
1. Accept the Things You Cannot Change
Harboring grudges, struggling with unforgiveness, stubbornness, and vengeful thinking do you no good. Your success and goodwill are the only acceptable forms of revenge. Even that statement implies that “revenge” is acceptable. It is not.
By forgiving people—whomever they may be—you set yourself free to concentrate on moving forward with your life and succeeding in spite of the detractors. You get to choose whether or not you will live a rewarding and fulfilling life. Your haters, on the other hand, will forever wonder how you went on to become so successful without them as you leave them in the shadow of their own doubts.
Action: Write down the things that happened in the past that bother you. Then, crumple the paper into a ball and throw it away. This simple exercise symbolizes you letting go of the past. Then…LET-IT-GO.
2. Change the Things You Can Change
Take control of your thoughts and actions by focusing on your desired results instead of allowing your emotions to take you places you’ll inevitably regret. In personal confrontations, it is always better to pause for a moment until you’ve had an opportunity to consider a reasonable alternative rather than reacting with your (irrational) emotions.
The only real control you have in life is your reaction. The way you gain the upper hand in almost any situation (traffic jams, long lines, relationships, etc.) is with your ability to pause long enough to discover what you don’t already know.
Action: Write the following words on a piece of paper and place it wherever you are most likely to react with your emotions: “Be Patient.” Use it as a reminder to pause long enough for your emotions to take a back seat to logic, patience, and insight.
3. Avoid the Unacceptable
Each and every one of us has a demarcation line of intolerance – a personal limit we place upon the things we deem unacceptable. We categorize the things we will not accept and are well aware when we are approaching our own line. Why then do some people knowingly find themselves on the wrong side of that line?
To answer that, we come full-circle back to the way we typically mismanage our emotions, which tends to obscure our better judgment. Our emotions are so strong they predominate our rational thinking. At the risk of repeating what has already been written, if we could find a way to get ahead of our emotional processing, replacing it instead with rational, logic-based thinking, we would all but enhance our judgment and eliminate most regretful situations. In summary, clarity goes a long way to enhance our ability to keep ourselves out of deteriorating situations.
Consider the following examples: When people tailgate you on the freeway, change lanes. When there are loud, obnoxious people next to you at a restaurant, change tables or find another restaurant. When you’re around a chronic complainer, find a way to excuse yourself and walk away.
Always be alert for situations that can pose a threat to your health, personal safety, financial risk tolerances, and relationships. Try to be proactive as much as possible.
Action: Focus on one unacceptable vulnerability or habit you have and start avoiding that as much as possible starting right now.
You have the power to effectively manage stress. You’ve had it all along. You just may not have realized just how powerful you are...until now.
Action: Share this with someone who can use the insight.
Action: Share this with someone who can use the insight.
Until next time...
- G -
"Give your stress wings, and let it fly off."
~ G. Westfal
~ G. Westfal
-----------------------
If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about once per month),
visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author
Once there, click on "Connect to Introspection!" in the left column. You'll then be subscribed and will receive a notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my books or appearances.
If you like this post, please recommend it to others!
-----------------------
If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about once per month),
visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author
Once there, click on "Connect to Introspection!" in the left column. You'll then be subscribed and will receive a notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my books or appearances.
If you like this post, please recommend it to others!
-----------------------
333
The Power of Equilibrium
"A powerful book that provides an interesting
cross-section of three different points of view for
the balance of body, mind, and spirit."
~ Amazon Reader Feedback
Get your copy of this insightful book
on Amazon.com TODAY!
***********
Step into the mind of Author Luc Vors.
"Keep producing things, great or small, and you will find that your
creative mind will blossom with more and more ideas."
***********
Check out the wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives of Author Elisabeth Auld inside the editions of
************
Check out our new affiliate partner, J. Jane, a fascinating blog of mentorship for, by, and between women.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel
FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life.
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life.
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.
Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers.
Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments and feedback are encouraged. If you enjoyed this post, please recommend it to others.