An Overlooked Secret to Handling Stress
These days there is so much information on coping with stress that it can be stressful just to take it all in. From progressive relaxation and meditation to time management and scheduling, we are presented with a wealth of valuable techniques and strategies. However, when you are in the midst of feeling overwhelmed, you may just not be able to focus on detailed suggestions. You may need the simplest way to find some firm ground. In this brief article, we’ll look at one simple thing you can do in a couple minutes every day that can shift your whole experience of stress.
Now you may think that all you have to do is get more efficient, so you can get more done in less time. If you think, that “multi-tasking” is your answer, you might want to re-assess that. Studies show that when you try to do more than one thing at a time it not only increases your stress, it also makes you less effective at what you’re doing-and you enjoy it less. Multi-tasking lowers the quality of your work and the quality of your life.
Another strategy you may have tried is making a list of everything you need to do. You then start checking off things on that TO DO LIST. This can be a good start to getting a better handle on your life, but how often do you find yourself checking off things on your list and never accomplishing what really matters? The fact is that many of the things on your list may not be essential. So, while it might be the start of a good strategy, it’s not going to take you to the promised land-of being relaxed and satisfied.
So, what can you do?
What may help you more than anything is to get crystal clear on what is most important to you and do that first. Let’s explore this simple strategy and how you can do in just a few minutes. I suggest that you practice this first thing in the morning, right when you wake up. Take a few moments to imagine the day ahead. Call into your mind all the important events and activities ahead of you. Identify the most important one or two things.
Then, identify what you’ll need to make those most important events successful. Do you need to mentally prepare yourself? Do you need to bring anything with you? Do you need to do anything before those events to insure that they go well? Jot down anything that is important for you to remember for your one or two most important activities of the day. Then, make sure you get them done as soon as possible.
By focusing on your top priorities you make sure that you are prepared to do those well. You also prioritize them above other things that may be less essential. This will help you make decisions when conflicts or schedule changes arise. Make sure you attend to what is most important first, then, do the other things as you are able. Another benefit of this strategy is that it prompts you to fully engage in what is important to you rather than giving it half your attention. Full engagement makes you more productive and helps you appreciate what you are doing to the fullest.
When you get to the end of the day, you’ll feel accomplishment if you’ve attended to your top priorities. You may not have checked off everything on your TO DO LIST, but you’ll have taken care of what matters most. If you do that consistently, you’ll be living a life that is filled with experiences, relationships, and achievements that have deep meaning and value. You can relax and feel satisfied about that.
Are you ready to de-stress, quiet your mind, and relax deeply? Discover how to take your stress management to the next level. For tips and techniques to reduce stress be sure to visit us here:
Kevin Schoeninger M.A.
Are you ready to de-stress, quiet your mind, and relax deeply? Discover how to take your stress management to the next level. For tips and techniques to reduce stress, be sure to visit us here:
http://www.mindbodytrainingcompany.com/stress/how-to-deal-with-stress-in-just-a-few-minutes-a-day/
Author Bio: Are you ready to de-stress, quiet your mind, and relax deeply? Discover how to take your stress management to the next level. For tips and techniques to reduce stress be sure to visit us here:
Kevin Schoeninger M.A.
Category: Self Help
Keywords: stress management, reduce stress, priorities, stress-coping strategies,