We all have it in some shape or form… How do you handle your stress?
We got a call from my husband’s sister this week that my mother-in-law had a medical incident. I’m calling it that since she (at age 98!) refused to go to the hospital so we are not yet sure what happened. She had fallen a couple of times and her speech was definitely slurred. After getting her to her new primary doctor (she was forced to change doctors when her insurance changed), she’s now taking new medications and pending results from a CT scan to see if she had a stoke or something else.
Insurance is my forte, so I helped out by calling her insurance company to find out about walkers and bathroom commodes with arms. As I am currently re-certifying with all my insurance companies in preparation for open enrollment starting in October, it was important for me to get home so I left and let my husband and sister-in-law follow up with Mom as they are both retired.
When my husband came home after a couple of days I found out these two loving people were at each other’s throats fighting like cats and dogs! It was stressful for them. They didn’t really know how to handle Mom who has been so healthy and active. They didn’t like the disruption of their routine and they said things they didn’t mean.
Arguing Couple from http://intelligentchristianfaith.com/2013/04/27/arguing-for-the-sake-of-arguing/
Why am I telling you all of this? Because something stressful happens in some shape or form to all of us. Maybe it’s not dealing with a sick and aging parent, maybe it’s a child who is sick or has school or drug problems or a friend who has dementia and tells you the same story over and over. Maybe your stress is more related to dealing with your boss, or dealing with a deadline, or worrying about paying your bills or fixing the leaky roof, or you’re late and get stopped by a cop and get a ticket for pausing instead of stopping at a stop sign. Maybe you’re frustrated because you don’t understand tech issues with your computer or you’re upset because people don’t understand what you’re trying to tell them. Here’s a classic Abbott and Costello…
Stress Solutions
Ok, I think we can all agree that we have stress. So how can we deal with it? How do you handle your stress? I have two solutions for you today…
Improve your communication skills! A lot of our stress is caused by a lack of communication. Watch this video with Marie Forleo. She relates how most people are not good listeners. They tend to interrupt others all the time or do fake listening. According to Marie… “if you want better communication skills in your daily interactions, listening is key. Making others feel heard is one of the best gifts you can give.” She gives you an effective tool called IAP (intentional awkward pause).
Meditation! I can hear you now… I don’t have time to sit and meditate for an hour, I don’t know how, I’m not religious. If you have not used meditation, it may be confusing for you. Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content, or as an end in itself. According to WebMD there are many benefits of meditation including… lower your blood pressure, amp up your immune system and stress reduction! The technique or discipline you follow can vary. You can simply sit and focus on your breathing, clearing all your thoughts, saying a mantra, following a guided meditation and so many more. Do what feels comfortable and right for you. What is key is that you do it every day. It could be for 3-20 minutes a day and you will see results in your life. Here’s a few meditation solutions for you…
- Check out Calm.com! They have different pictures and sounds. Try taking slow deep breaths while enjoying the calm!
- Check out the Hawaiian healing meditation, Ho’oponopono.
- No time? Try out this 3 minute meditations program.
- Here’s a 5 minute guided meditation for stress with Yoga by Candace…
In conclusion… Stress affects everyone and it affects everyone differently. Take action with IAP, Meditation and I almost forgot, how about a stress ball! Here’s one with a smile to make you smile…
PS…We love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below and tell us how you best handle your stress and be sure to sign up to our list here so you never miss an update!
Stress is a major factor affecting many lives. The sad truth is that so many people with stress related problems are in denial or simply oblivious to the fact that stress is their problem.
Financially, I lost everything in 2008/9 and still battling to recover. The best advice I took to heart was NOT to stress over things outside of my control. These days I find ways to deal with such issues, where possible, but I don’t stress over them any longer.
I used to do meditation many years ago when I was involved with the Martial Arts, but life got in the way and I stopped doing it. I think I’m going to attempt to get back into it using the 5-minute Guided method in your last video…
Duane Reeve would like you to read…How to Identify and Stop Affiliate Link Hijacking
Hi Duane, Thanks for sharing your experience and I hope you do get back into meditation! BTW, your article to identify and stop affiliate link hijacking could cause some people a lot of stress! Well worth it for anyone who uses affiliate links to read it! Great job!
Barbara, this was a very interesting post to me. The IAP just makes so much sense. I am guilty of interrupting someone in a conversation to put in my two cents worth. I am going to make a conscience effort to you the IAP more often. I will monitor my progress and let you know if I see a difference.
Roy Miller would like you to read…The Quick Start Challenge, Week Two
Hi Barb,
Not to mention what a killer stress can be! Not just the raised voices, but the raised blood pressure, headaches and general nastiness that can come out when people decide to let rip and get it all out. However, just a few deep breaths and walking away for even just a minute can probably stop an awful lot before it starts. There is nothing that will actually be fixed by a stressful response and a lot more that can be achieved with more peace in mind.
And relax.
Regards,
Steven Lucas
Steven Lucas Marketing Mentor would like you to read…September State of Play
You are so right Steven! I came across several articles after I wrote the post and almost updated it to include the potential issues to your health and life! Lots of good info in your September State of Play and love how you did the freebee at the end…will have to keep that idea in mind!
I do not know how you come up with these videos that you use on your post. If they are not educational they are simply hypnotising. And the way you blend them up with the message you are putting forth makes everything in each of your post magical. That is not just being a Good blog it tells me much more. Stop now I am following in love with this blog.
Video one I got lost but couldn’t stop laughing.
Second video; powerful tip that I am going to try with my wife
Third Video; Mmmmmmmmmm meditation will try it out too
Thanks great post.
Boris Qs would like you to read…Tips on YouTube Ranking for Affiliate Marketers Part 2
Can you tell Barb’s Challenge blog is blushing! Glad you enjoy it Boris. One of these days I will start making some of my own videos, but for now I rely on searching google and YouTube! Speaking of YouTube, I have bookmarked your tips both part 1 and part 2 as a reference. You have done an outstanding job with the detail!