As the weekend draws to a close, how do you view your return to work tomorrow (if you work outside the home)? For those of us who lead busy, stressful lives,whether outside the home or not, here a couple of ways you can keep your mind focused on the positive, and stress-proof your life.
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Be In Control of Your Stressors:
A recent study published in “Scientific America” suggests we have the power to stop stress before it even starts. Basically, the way we respond to our own individual stressors–things that cause us to be anxious and stressed–has a tremendous effect on us. If this is so, as the research suggests, we can get ahead of the “game” and learn how to “prepare and “train” ourselves to destress–or handle stress in a different way.
Mind Strength:
Dr. Fred B. Bryant, professor of psychology at Loyola University, Chicago says, “Yes, we need tools to deal with stress, but it’s also important to look at how we can intensify the good.” When you do this and “intensify the good,” even the busiest days can feel full and happy; not so stressful.
Physical Exercise:
If you haven’t tried it, you definitely should. Exercise is proven to reduce stress at the time you are exercising and for a period of time afterwards. New research from Princeton University shows that when we work out, we may actually build new super brain cells that are more resistant to stresses. Wow! That means going to the gym or working out at home could help keep us smiling and better able to handle stress.
Dwell on the Good Things:
When someone asks you how your day is going, instead of a negative response, try to think about something that has happened that is pleasant. When we recount our stress, it not only affects our physical well-being, but it relives the stress. When we think about something positive, something that has given us pleasure and joy, it stops those damaging effects of stress.
Take A Break:
When we’re busy, our natural instinct is to cut back on the fun activities as if it was a luxury we can’t afford. However, studies have shown that people who engage in pleasurable leisure activities lower their blood pressure and cortisol (two stress indicators), and are more resilient when facing stressors in their lives. So, you may be stuck at a desk, or busy out on a call, or in the middle of something with your children, but you can take a quick moment at some point to call a friend, take a short break away from the office, or recall some funny event that recently happened — take a “smile break.”
React Carefully:
When someone cuts you off in traffic, although we are not in control of the situation, you get to choose how to respond.” Aymee Coget, PhD, CEO of the American Happiness Association states, “The truth is, happiness is something we can choose, every minute of every day.” For example, you could get angry in this situation, curse and/or tailgate the person, or you could make a conscious choice to ignore it and just smile. It can be very empowering when we realize it’s up to us whether we’re going to be happy or miserable.
Small Acts of Kindness:
When we do some small act of kindness, it makes us feel good. But not only that—according to research, it might even lower stress hormones.In a recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School, it shows kindness and happiness form a “positive feedback loop.” What this means is that when we do one kind act we feel happier, and the happier we feel, the more likely we are to perform another act of kind act—thus, the “positive feedback loop. Let’s get “into the loop” today!
Slow Down:
Take a moment to slow yourself down. If you feel your life is like a whirlwind, practice slowing things down—go have lunch with a friend, go shopping after work, schedule a well-earned vacation. But however you choose to slow down, focus on the moment and savor it. Appreciate what is going on and be thankful.
I know these ideas are a little more unusual ideas that what we normally hear about stress, but these ideas do work, and you will feel better for practicing this. Pay it forward, be grateful, and appreciate the moment. These are just a few things we can do to “escape” and “protect ourselves” from life’s stressors.
How will you choose to react today?
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