STAY IN-CHARGE
It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress and any situation that may want to tear you apart. You have to always have this notion, that the bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day than ever, and your career and family responsibilities will always be demanding. Nevertheless, you have more control than you think. Staying in charge is being aware of yourself, situations, and the environment.
You may have embarked on a certain project that seems so challenging and tasking and it’s all draining. Amidst it all, choose to keep your peace because it is your responsibility to keep it and not lose it.
The simple realization that you’re in control of your life is the foundation of stress management. Managing stress is all about taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, and the way you deal with problems.
Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You can’t prevent or change stressors such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession. In such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier than railing against a situation you can’t change.
Here are some tips that will help you!
- Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control— particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.
- Look for the upside. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If your own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.
- Share your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist. Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.
- Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentment. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving.