Some thoughts on the subject of HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Some thoughts on the subject of HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Times are difficult now, no doubt about it. We have no influence over the course of the pandemic other than protecting ourselves and others by following the official guidance (vaccination, masks, social distancing.) But, it is totally up to us, as to how we react to these difficult and frustrating situations. I love what Rev. Devon Franklin once said that, “EVERY DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GREAT DAY.” I have to remind myself about it frequently, when I feel overwhelmed.
Our lives have changed forever. We are very lucky if we did not get sick with Covid and did not lose loved ones, relatives or friends, jobs, income or housing. Everything seems to take more time than before the pandemic and it is difficult to be cool and keep our internal peace. However, there are small things that you can do every day to keep your spirit up. First of all, be good to yourself, because if you don’t, who will?
It is good to start a day with something nice, like cup of warm, good coffee with real honey from a neighborhood’s beekeeper. It tastes just great! Take time for yourself in the morning. Do something nice for yourself. Find out what will bring a smile to your face at the beginning of your day. If you live in a mild climate, drink your warm coffee outside and look at the beautiful nature around you. If it is too cold to be outside, sit by the window that has your favorite view. For me, it is a view of my garden, still surviving in the winter, but it can be anything that brings peace and some joy to your heart. If your energy is low during the day and you feel like it takes an extra effort to get started on anything, try to do some exercising in the morning. It can be as little as 10-15 minutes. It will give you the energy you need to go through the day. It will also lift up your mood by pumping the “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain. Have a good and nutritious breakfast to nourish your body. If you have time, do some meditation to calm your mind and to relax your body. You can also have a little walk after breakfast. Walking, is very good for your brain (more info on that subject is in my book). Now you are ready to face the tasks for that day. Energized and calm internally, it will be easier to complete these tasks than you previously thought.
If something during the day upsets you a lot and starts interfering with your tasks, take a moment to ponder if it will be important five years from now. If not, try to put it in the back of your mind. In my book, I give examples of some mental exercises that help deal with disturbing thoughts. It something will be important 5 years from now, try to find out how you can get help with it.
If you are depressed and very anxious, please try to find professional help. All insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, are paying for online and telephone counseling. Use these services to help yourself.
At the end of the day, take a moment to think about all the good things that happened during the day, even the smallest one (i.e. the sun came up for a moment in the middle of a day), and be grateful for them. When you prepare to go to sleep, concentrate on the small positive things that happened. If you are a believer, you can follow Padre Pio’s advice “Don’t tire yourself with things that cause anxieties, concerns and worries. Only one thing is necessary, to lift up your spirit and to love God.” If you had a very difficult day, remind yourself of what Scarlet O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day, Scarlet.”
Times are difficult now, no doubt about it. We have no influence over the course of the pandemic other than protecting ourselves and others by following the official guidance (vaccination, masks, social distancing.) But, it is totally up to us, as to how we react to these difficult and frustrating situations. I love what Rev. Devon Franklin once said that, “EVERY DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GREAT DAY.” I have to remind myself about it frequently, when I feel overwhelmed.
Our lives have changed forever. We are very lucky if we did not get sick with Covid and did not lose loved ones, relatives or friends, jobs, income or housing. Everything seems to take more time than before the pandemic and it is difficult to be cool and keep our internal peace. However, there are small things that you can do every day to keep your spirit up. First of all, be good to yourself, because if you don’t, who will?
It is good to start a day with something nice, like cup of warm, good coffee with real honey from a neighborhood’s beekeeper. It tastes just great! Take time for yourself in the morning. Do something nice for yourself. Find out what will bring a smile to your face at the beginning of your day. If you live in a mild climate, drink your warm coffee outside and look at the beautiful nature around you. If it is too cold to be outside, sit by the window that has your favorite view. For me, it is a view of my garden, still surviving in the winter, but it can be anything that brings peace and some joy to your heart. If your energy is low during the day and you feel like it takes an extra effort to get started on anything, try to do some exercising in the morning. It can be as little as 10-15 minutes. It will give you the energy you need to go through the day. It will also lift up your mood by pumping the “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain. Have a good and nutritious breakfast to nourish your body. If you have time, do some meditation to calm your mind and to relax your body. You can also have a little walk after breakfast. Walking, is very good for your brain (more info on that subject is in my book). Now you are ready to face the tasks for that day. Energized and calm internally, it will be easier to complete these tasks than you previously thought.
If something during the day upsets you a lot and starts interfering with your tasks, take a moment to ponder if it will be important five years from now. If not, try to put it in the back of your mind. In my book, I give examples of some mental exercises that help deal with disturbing thoughts. It something will be important 5 years from now, try to find out how you can get help with it.
If you are depressed and very anxious, please try to find professional help. All insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, are paying for online and telephone counseling. Use these services to help yourself.
At the end of the day, take a moment to think about all the good things that happened during the day, even the smallest one (i.e. the sun came up for a moment in the middle of a day), and be grateful for them. When you prepare to go to sleep, concentrate on the small positive things that happened. If you are a believer, you can follow Padre Pio’s advice “Don’t tire yourself with things that cause anxieties, concerns and worries. Only one thing is necessary, to lift up your spirit and to love God.” If you had a very difficult day, remind yourself of what Scarlet O’Hara said, “Tomorrow is another day, Scarlet.”
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