STOP STRESSING ABOUT STRESS

Newspapers and magazines are forever telling us that ‘stress kills’, and feed us with frightening statistics that prove that stress is the main cause of terrifying illnesses. A huge stress reduction industry has been built providing books; therapies; courses; relaxation classes; fitness centres……..all to help us de-stress.

Let’s lighten up and stop blaming stress for all our worries, as if it’s an illness with a cure. There’s no need to be afraid of becoming stressed (and so making ourselves more stressed).

Stress is only a word that is used to describe the feelings we have when we are not coping very well with our lives.

Exercise: Getting it together

The next time you think you are suffering with stress do the following:

Step1 Stop worrying about what stress will do to you. Recognize that you are only experiencing a feeling of being unable to cope.

Step 2 Ask yourself if you can do anything to resolve the situation. If you can’t, then accept this and let go of the worry.If you can, then make an action plan.

Step 3 Discover what needs doing. Make a list of the practical steps you need to take. Then ACT! Take each step as it comes and work your way through this dilemma.

Forget about worrying about your stress levels and just do what needs to be done. You have all the ability you need to cope with whatever life throws at you.

Positive action is the antidote to stress.