3 Keys to Beat Stress in Tough Times
Posted on April 30, 2012 by Donna Huntington, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.
This article will pinpoint three top coping mechanisms to manage stress
Today’s economy is tough, and we are stressed trying to keep up with inflation, working, checking emails, texts, snail mail and phone messages. Oh, and if you have kids, try being a good parent, spouse and friend. How do you juggle it all?
There are 3 points to consider. First, keep perspective. Is the thing you are stressing over really as big as you are making it? Even if it is, does everything about it need to be tackled today? Take it one day at a time. Breathe. Make a list of everything that has to be done. Then let it go, do what you need to do today, and enjoy the rest of your day.
Second, when you make your list of things to do, be realistic. From all my years of working with clients, the biggest stumbling block for so many of them was failed goals. Guilt never served any of us well, and will in fact slow your progress toward any goal. So get rid of it, and move on. Make goals that you know you can master and that will greatly increase your chance of successfully reaching them.
Also, a critical point, at a time where I had way too many things going on at once myself, this one really served me. Remember that there will always be things to do. So try not to stress thinking you will reach a point where it all gets done, and then you can relax. It won’t all get done – ever! So just do what you set out to do for today.
Third, and most important, find an anchor. Where do you find peace? Prayer, meditation and deep breathing are often effective. Tap into that higher power, carve out a time each day to focus on it. “But that’s just one more thing to do!” you say. This is really a common error in thinking. Actually, because you will be more centered and clear headed, you will likely find that you accomplish more and even have more energy than if you did not carve out time to do this. Try it out!
Remember that if you focus on the power higher than yourself, suddenly you have perspective. Whatever you are stressing over will never be bigger than that higher power. There is always something to be thankful for, so try to stay thankful, even if life has dealt you tough circumstances. With that inner anchor, you can rise above your circumstances, not let them steal your joy, and you can actually learn to enjoy the journey along the way. Even if you don’t know what to enjoy, pay attention along the journey of life – smell a pretty flower, watch a little child laugh, and learn to laugh yourself.
For a free coaching consultation, visit www.donnayourcoach.com.
Also, I’m interested in hearing your challenges. Please email your topic suggestion for consideration to donnayourcoach@gmail.com for the next article.
Donna Huntington is a professional life coach and has been in the Health & Wellness industry for over 20 years. She helps people excel in reaching their goals in the area of health & wellness, deal successfully with stress & anxiety management, weight management, improving self esteem and assertiveness, conquering the blues, and life’s tough transitions. She is also a licensed clinical social worker, and certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
