Stressed Out? Here Are 4 Things to Not Do
By Sandy Schroeder
What do you do first when you are stressed? Some of us step away and breathe deeply. Others go for a long walk. And others simply create more stress with some major mistakes.
WellAndGood.com took a look at this destructive tendency. Psychotherapist Jennifer Silvershein said, "Many of us wind up amplifying the mental health harms already placed upon us by our jobs and relationships, even when it's the last thing we want."
When real stress hits, the kind that jars your soul and muddles your mind, big mistakes can be very tempting. See if you recognize these.
Make everything black or white - In a desperate effort to simplify a bad situation, it's a natural to start labeling everything as good or bad. This rules out natural problem-solving skills like asking questions and makes everything even more rigid. Try to leave as many doors open as possible and bend with the situation as it develops
Make more things happen - In another desperate attempt to find relief, there may be an urge to multi-task. All of the extra activity may feel good at first, but it usually tends to confuse the situation more and create new mistakes. Instead, focus clearly on each task, which will help you re-establish control.
Create a big new goal - As you respond to the stress of being overwhelmed, it may be tempting to set a new larger goal. In reality, taking individual small parts of the problem and solving them one at a time will make you feel more in control as you enjoy each achievement.
Forget to just be - When a big problem comes up, we often abandon all of our little comforts. No time for that extra cup of coffee, or chats with buddies, or weekend gatherings of friends. Instead, we just forge ahead to solve the problem.
Overall, Silvershein seems to be saying the ball is in our court. We can hurry around and create more confusion, or pause, take a deep breath, and then begin to move ahead finding good solutions that really work.
As you work your way through this challenge you may want to turn to the things that help you relax the most.
Hide out with a hobby - Dig in the garden or putter in the garage.
Pause to breathe - Step away from the commotion and find a quiet spot to just sit and breathe. Close your eyes and inhale and exhale to let it all go.
Meditate morning and evening - Take 10 minutes at the beginning and the end of the day to let your thoughts flow by unjudged.
Do tai chi or yoga daily - Exercise the mind and the body.
Walk, run or jog - Get out there and get moving.
Get outside - Sit on your patio or head to the park.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in.Windermere, Fla.