Stress is like a storm, but within us lies the power to weather it. By embracing calmness, channeling our energy, nurturing positivity, and focusing on what truly matters, we can manage stress and navigate towards tranquility. Here are 10 things I find helpful to manage my stress.
- Reinforce by saying “I choose” (instead of just reacting).
- Take a deep breath and smile.
- Put things in perspective. What really matters?
- Look for the learning opportunity.
- Take a walk or exercise.
- Sit still in nature and be grateful for what you see and hear.
- Blast music and do random dancing.
- Create a list of things I am grateful for.
- Compliment someone else.
- Do a random act of kindness.
I believe that mistakes, failures, and stress are good things (when you are aware). They provide the opportunity to learn, change, grow and shape you into being the version of yourselves you choose to be. This does NOT mean I don’t make mistakes, I don’t fail, and I don’t get stressed. I DO!!! But I work to change my perspective from something harming me to something helping me become a better version of myself.
5-Minute Cup Filler Exercise
Here is a 5-minute daily exercise to develop your skills around stress management.
Stress is a wave that can either drown us or propel us forward. The choice lies in our own hands.
Think back over the last 24 hours.
BECOME AWARE: What are some of the things that trigger stress in your life. How is it impacting you or others?
- How did you feel the moment the stress sets in?
- Did you simply react? Or did you make a conscious decision to react the way you do?
- Did your feelings and actions continue to impact you after? For how long?
- Why did you feel that way? React that way?
- How do you feel now?
- Next time it happens, would you choose to react differently to your stress trigger?
- What could you do to stop the stress from taking control of your emotions, feelings and actions negatively?
BE GRATEFUL: Rephrase your original action into the choice you can be grateful for. What is the “better version of you” you choose instead?
I am grateful for __(insert stress)___ because it gives me a chance to __(insert what you will do differently)___ .
TAKE ACTION: What is one choice (when faced with it again) you can make to manage your reaction and improve the outcome? Name an additional action you choose to take throughout the day to reinforce.
Choose to commit to repeat daily until you turn stress into a positive, and it becomes natural!
