Limit Your Stress
I recently came across a phrase that made me laugh. It stated, “if stress burned calories, I’d be a supermodel.” How true is that? Unfortunately, stress tends to pack the calories on us because of stress eating. Let’s fix that. Let’s reduce our stress and make 2018 less stressful. It will take some courage and practice, but it is possible.
Reducing stress is vital to our health. Our constant state of anxiety can have adverse effects. It increases our fatigue, compromises our immune system, raises our blood pressure, induces headaches, affects our appetite and the list keeps going. We have all heard this before but find that we are still stressed. Statistics are useful, but when they don’t provide the tools to combat the negative behavior, the figures are worthless. We need to arm ourselves with the power to reduce our stress and handle it better.
Temporary versus Permanent
First, start by identifying your stress factors. Some of these are temporary, and some are permanent. For example, building a home is very stressful, but it is temporary stress. However, dealing with a difficult family member or family situation tends to be more of a permanent stress factor. The important thing is to identify the stress factors and make a list of them. Once you have made a list, decide if these are permanent or temporary stresses. Depending on which one they are, will depend on how you approach the way to deal with them.
Temporary
Let’s start with the temporary stresses first. These can range from holiday gatherings, family reunions, work projects, school deadlines, or for some even figuring our dinner from night to night is stress. It is different for everyone. These are the stresses that nag at us. The best way to handle this type of pressure is planning and knowing your limit. Be honest with yourself and admit when too much is too much. Be open with those around you about your boundaries. For those deadlines and projects and bosses that aren’t concerned about your stress limit, the key here is planning. Electronic planning is useful but doesn’t underestimate the power of having a physical calendar in front of you and writing down personal deadlines in stages to complete an assignment.
Permanent
Lastly, for those stress factors that are on a permanent level, reducing this can be challenging but not impossible. Reducing this stress requires more of a mental shift. Dealing with ongoing family, health, or job issues is mentally draining. When I am dealing with these types of situations, I think of the quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come what may and love it.” The best strategy for fighting the effects of these stresses is to find a purpose in the struggle and a supportive group of loved ones to cheer you on.
Stressfree isn’t Realistic
We cannot avoid stress in this life. It is part of living and growing. Some stress is unnecessary that we put on ourselves and some of it is part of our growth. Decide which ones you can eliminate or reduce and that will give you the energy you need to handle the other types of stress that will contribute to improving our character. Regardless of what is causing you stress, don’t wave the white flag and surrender to it. Resolve to face it and make a conscious effort to improve it.
About Balance & Harmony 360², Inc.
Owned and operated by Melinda Smith, CPO®, we offer Business Training & Consulting with a Twist! Our sweet spot is working with Entrepreneur’s and their companies to create a productive work environment, happy home, and prosperous you! Our passion is listening to clients goals, thinking through solutions and coming up with creative 360² action plans that address work, home, and you! Learn to Love Going to Work Again! Increase Time with Your Family! Get Things Done! Our process is simple and geared toward the professional. You CAN get your LIFE back in BALANCE!
Audrey Whiteley, CSE®
Audrey works for Balance & Harmony 360², as a Certified Staging Expert in the HOME Division. The home environment affects your health, productivity, and happiness. She works with individuals who need to freshen-up outdated décor, “show” a room’s potential or help homeowners create a lifestyle. Audrey makes the most of your surroundings whether you are staging for a quick sale, building a home, or want to elicit a more vibrant and peaceful setting in which to live.
Audrey Can Help Create
- Ideas or Design Boards
- Room Layouts and Arrangements
- Organization Solutions
- Home Staging DIY Reports
- Pre-Move Prep Strategies and Moving Plans
- Purchasing and Hands-On Staging and Decorating
- Project Management from Start to Finish
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