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Articles
Dealing with Stress
11-13-2009
While we know that we can't change the marketplace's dynamics and societal issues, we can change how we deal with stress. First of all, information is power, so I am going to leave you with some valuable tools when it comes to minimizing stress in your life.
Smile and the world smiles with you!
You realize that if you smile, you convey happiness and when you're smiling, your stress is lowered. Smile even if you don't feel like it, understand you're using less muscles in your face than you would if you were frowning. If you smile, chances are, others will smile back because it's contagious, and before long, as you are smiling, you might start believing that you are happy. Tony Bennett sang the song "When you're smiling the whole world smiles with you". Smile and world smiles back at you. It's a simple mind game you have the power to control.
Pick your battles carefully!
Learn to pick and choose your battles regarding what stresses you out. The way to accomplish this is to think to yourself, "Is this going to matter a week or so from now?". If your answer is probably not, then you can reframe how you deal with stress and not let it ruin your day. Let me give you an example: Let's say, you are running late to a dinner party due to traffic, which is out of your control anyway, think to yourself, is this really going to matter a week from now? While you don't really want to be late, it's not going to make a difference in the whole scheme of life, right? Remember, once again, you have the power to change how you react to stress. You can choose to be reactive or proactive. It's your choice!
Hug a four legged friend.
In my world, everyone that knows me knows that I am a big animal lover, so I couldn't possibly avoid writing about the the healthy benefits of animals! But, did you know that pets can improve your mood? For those who are animal lovers, it's virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood when your dog greets you with an emphatic hello when you come home after a very long day at work. Try staying mad or upset when your kitty just wants to cuddle up with you on the sofa. Research supports the mood-enhancing benefits of pets.
Another thing that pets do is to help with social support along with staving off loneliness. My dog Kooba is a furry walking testament to this. When I am out walking Kooba, she smiles at each person walking by and what's really funny is that people end up smiling back! More often then not, I have had many people stop and chat with me on how happy my dog Kooba looks, or say what a beautiful dog she is. Having Kooba walking with me simply makes me more approachable to others on the street. Having a human connection simply because someone likes my dog makes life that much more enjoyable!
One more thing, among many great things that pets do for humans, is the fact that they give you unconditional love. There is something to be said for this powerful connection that even humans cannot provide to others, unconditional love. Pets do it hands down! In your pet's eyes, you are the world to them.
Purge your stress out with exercise.
I am a runner and I can't tell you how many times I've been stressed out or anxious about something, and when I go for a run, it gets rid of all the negative energy I have bottled up. Something about running and the cadence of it makes it all go away for me. Maybe running isn't your thing, so do something else that involves exercise whether it be weight lifting, walking or playing tennis. Exercise produces endorphins which in turn stave off depression and feelings of stress and tension. Just don't talk about it, do it! You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel.
Conclusion. Get out there.
Having a good support system in which you can blow off steam by talking with your friends and colleagues is an integral part of bonding with others. Sometimes you just need to vent and it's also good to get another person's perspective on your issue. When stress consumes you, it's because you are stuffing it inside and not letting it out. When you relate with others, you are able to release the negative energy the stress is causing, and you also gain a perspective that you are not alone since others probably share the same issues.
Lastly, getting into to see a counselor on a regular basis allows you to have a safe environment to talk to someone who is able to guide the process without any biases. While a support group is good to have, a friend is unable to be unbiased because they are close to you. A counselor is ethically required to be unbiased in counseling due to the nature of his/her profession. When you feel your support group is not enough or you feel like you are stuck in a rut with an issue, counseling could help you in the sense that a good counselor will help facilitate the process for you to overcome the stressful barriers in your life.
If you feel the stress is overcoming you in life and you need someone to talk to, go ahead and schedule an appointment with me to move forward in life! I'd like to facilitate the process for you to handle the stress curve balls in life.
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