Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness
Instead of complaining about what’s wrong we should take positive, solution-oriented steps (however small) toward improving a situation. It means being more a part of the solution rather than a reminder or reinforcement of the problem.
While we’re working, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending our time and energy taking note and complaining about the way things are, the economy, negative people, greed, lack of compassion, bureaucracy, and so forth. After all, if we are looking for verification that the world is full of problems, we don’t have to look far to prove our assumptions.
If you take a careful look, you’ll notice that in most cases, thinking excessively about the problems at work, only serves to increase your own level of stress, thus making it even more difficult to do anything about the very things that are bothering you.
As we focus on the problem and discuss it with others, it can reinforce our belief that life is difficult and stressful, which, of course, it can be.
When we focus too much on what’s wrong, it reminds us of other things we disapprove of or wish were different, which can lead us toward feelings of discouragement and being overwhelmed.
It’s interesting, however, to notice that in many instances you cannot only make a dent in a problem, but actually reduce your own stress level in the process by simply choosing to “light a candle.” Simply put, this means making a suggestion or taking a positive step toward improving a source of stress. It means putting increased emphasis on a potential solution and less emphasis on “cursing” the problem.
While we’re working, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending our time and energy taking note and complaining about the way things are, the economy, negative people, greed, lack of compassion, bureaucracy, and so forth. After all, if we are looking for verification that the world is full of problems, we don’t have to look far to prove our assumptions.
If you take a careful look, you’ll notice that in most cases, thinking excessively about the problems at work, only serves to increase your own level of stress, thus making it even more difficult to do anything about the very things that are bothering you.
As we focus on the problem and discuss it with others, it can reinforce our belief that life is difficult and stressful, which, of course, it can be.
When we focus too much on what’s wrong, it reminds us of other things we disapprove of or wish were different, which can lead us toward feelings of discouragement and being overwhelmed.
It’s interesting, however, to notice that in many instances you cannot only make a dent in a problem, but actually reduce your own stress level in the process by simply choosing to “light a candle.” Simply put, this means making a suggestion or taking a positive step toward improving a source of stress. It means putting increased emphasis on a potential solution and less emphasis on “cursing” the problem.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Become less reactive and more responsive
In life, we have essentially two psychological modes that we are in most of the time: reactive and responsive. The reactive mode is the one that feels stressful. In it, we feel pressured and are quick to judge. We lose perspective and take things personally. We’re annoyed, bothered, and frustrated.
Needless to say, our judgment and decision making capacity is severely impaired when we are in a reactive state of mind. We make quick decisions that we often regret. We annoy other people and tend to bring out the worst in them. When an opportunity knocks, we are usually too overwhelmed or frustrated to see it. If we do see it, we’re usually overly critical and negative.
The responsive mode, on the other hand, is our most relaxed state of mind. Being responsive suggests that we have our bearings. We see the bigger picture and take things less personally. Rather than being rigid and stubborn, we are flexible and calm. In the responsive mode, we are at our best. We bring out the best in others and solve problems gracefully. When an opportunity comes our way, our mind is open. We are receptive to new ideas.
Once you are aware of these two drastically different modes of being. You will begin to notice which one you are in. You’ll also notice the predictability of your behavior and feelings when you are in each mode. You’ll observe yourself being irrational and negative in your reactive mode and calm and wise in your responsive state of mind.
Needless to say, our judgment and decision making capacity is severely impaired when we are in a reactive state of mind. We make quick decisions that we often regret. We annoy other people and tend to bring out the worst in them. When an opportunity knocks, we are usually too overwhelmed or frustrated to see it. If we do see it, we’re usually overly critical and negative.
The responsive mode, on the other hand, is our most relaxed state of mind. Being responsive suggests that we have our bearings. We see the bigger picture and take things less personally. Rather than being rigid and stubborn, we are flexible and calm. In the responsive mode, we are at our best. We bring out the best in others and solve problems gracefully. When an opportunity comes our way, our mind is open. We are receptive to new ideas.
Once you are aware of these two drastically different modes of being. You will begin to notice which one you are in. You’ll also notice the predictability of your behavior and feelings when you are in each mode. You’ll observe yourself being irrational and negative in your reactive mode and calm and wise in your responsive state of mind.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tips for Dealing With Stress and Tension
Stress and Tension are normal reactions to events that threaten us like problems on the job or with family or accidents, financial troubles etc.The way we deal with these pressures has a lot to do with our mental, emotional and physical health. The following are suggestions to get you started on managing the stress in your life. Important Links to help you in following areas are embeded.
1. Recognize your syptoms of stress
2. Look at your lifestyle and see what can be changed -- in your work situation,
your family situation, or your schedule
3. Use relaxation techniques - yoga,deep breathing, meditation, or massage
4. Exercise - Physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around!
5. Time management - Do essential tasks and prioritize the others. Consider those who may be affected by your decisions, such as family and friends. Use a check list so you will receive satisfaction as you check off each job as it is done.Tackle one thing at a time - Don't try to do too much at once.
6. Watch your diet - Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fats and tobacco all put a strain on your body's ability to cope with stress. A diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods high in protein but low in fat will help create optimum health.
7. Get enough rest and sleep
8. Talk with others - Talk with friends, professional counsellors, support groups or relatives about what is bothering you
9. Help others - Volunteer work can be an effective and satisfying stress reducer
10. Get away for awhile - Read a book, watch a movie, play a game, listen to music or go on vacation. Leave yourself some time that's just for you
11. Work off your anger - Get physically active, dig in the garden, start a project, get your spring cleaning done
12. Give in occasionally - Avoid quarrels whenever possible.Ease up on criticism of others
13. Don't try to be perfect and be too competitive
14. Make the first move to be friendly
15. Have some fun!! Laugh and be with people you enjoy!
1. Recognize your syptoms of stress
2. Look at your lifestyle and see what can be changed -- in your work situation,
your family situation, or your schedule
3. Use relaxation techniques - yoga,deep breathing, meditation, or massage
4. Exercise - Physical activity is one of the most effective stress remedies around!
5. Time management - Do essential tasks and prioritize the others. Consider those who may be affected by your decisions, such as family and friends. Use a check list so you will receive satisfaction as you check off each job as it is done.Tackle one thing at a time - Don't try to do too much at once.
6. Watch your diet - Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fats and tobacco all put a strain on your body's ability to cope with stress. A diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods high in protein but low in fat will help create optimum health.
7. Get enough rest and sleep
8. Talk with others - Talk with friends, professional counsellors, support groups or relatives about what is bothering you
9. Help others - Volunteer work can be an effective and satisfying stress reducer
10. Get away for awhile - Read a book, watch a movie, play a game, listen to music or go on vacation. Leave yourself some time that's just for you
11. Work off your anger - Get physically active, dig in the garden, start a project, get your spring cleaning done
12. Give in occasionally - Avoid quarrels whenever possible.Ease up on criticism of others
13. Don't try to be perfect and be too competitive
14. Make the first move to be friendly
15. Have some fun!! Laugh and be with people you enjoy!
Handling Stress
http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?ID=264
Stress Management
http://www.businessballs.com/stressmanagement.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm
Holy Basil’s in Prevention & Treatment of Stress
http://www.queenofherbs.com/html/stress_disorders.html
Stress Management
http://www.businessballs.com/stressmanagement.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm
Holy Basil’s in Prevention & Treatment of Stress
http://www.queenofherbs.com/html/stress_disorders.html
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Stress at Home / Work
Stress at Home
http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/stress/home_main.html
http://stress.about.com/b/2006/03/18/make-your-home-a-haven-from-stress-2.htm
Stress At Work
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/stress.pdf
http://cupe.ca/updir/stress_guideline.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc686.pdf
http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/stress/home_main.html
http://stress.about.com/b/2006/03/18/make-your-home-a-haven-from-stress-2.htm
Stress At Work
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pdfs/stress.pdf
http://cupe.ca/updir/stress_guideline.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc686.pdf
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