How Can I Reduce Stress in My Daily Life
I Want to Control My Stress and Anxiety…
Sound familiar?
As humans, we face challenges everyday which can lead to feelings of overwhelm. We may feel like nothing is going our way and we can’t catch a break. And then of course, all at the same time, it feels like everything is falling apart… maybe our relationships, careers, childcare and diet and you think there’s nothing you can do to get back control.
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Maybe some more-so than others.
How Can I Control the Stress and Anxiety?
TRUTH BOMB - You have control over many of the things that happen to you.
Let’s use a simple thoughts exercise…
Section a piece of paper into 3 columns labeled TOTAL CONTROL, SOME CONTROL, and NO CONTROL
Start filling in the columns - if you need help, that’s what I’m here for!
What in your life do you have total control over?
What do you have some control over?
What do you have no control over?
Then challenge yourself to really take a look at what you have in each column…
Start with what you have control over - take the next few weeks and make deliberate choices to reflect the reality of the situation. Spend your time and energy focusing on what you can actually control.
Next, look at what you have some control over. Is there anything you change or do to allow this into the total control column? Is this something you can let go and allow it into the no control column? Do you need to make some tweaks so you don’t allow it to fall into the no control column? Really analyze this column and see what improvement you can make and being sure your time and energy is being used effectively.
Lastly, it’s now time to let go of your last column and what you do not have control over. If you are able to identify that you don’t have control over these things, it is now a matter of how you decide to respond and let go of what you cannot control.
By analyzing your choices and mindset, you may find a new approach that helps relieve stress and anxiety, and improves your mental health.
And with that, your capacity for tackling other challenges in life—such as stronger relationships, a more fulfilling career, or healthier eating behaviors—increases.
4 Ways to Stop Stressing About Things You Can’t Control
Stress can lead to excessive worry or being a control freak - neither of which will help in the moment or prevent a catastrophe. What you’re actually doing is putting your time and energy into the wrong places, likely creating more stress.
1. Determine what you can control
The thought exercise can help us determine what’s we have total control, some control and no control over. Sometimes, all you can control is your effort and your mindset. When you put your energy into the things you can control, you'll be much more effective and live a happier, more productive life.
2. Concentrate on your role
Recognizing that you can’t force things to go your way every time however you can have a strong influence or role in the outcome. You can create the atmosphere you want, you can model the behavior you’re looking for in return.To have the most influence, however, you need to be in control of your behavior. So do your best and keep a good attitude and a positive mindset.
3. Recognize the difference between anxiety and problem-solving
Continuing to rehash yesterday’s conversations or what went wrong over and over isn’t helpful, but problem solving is. Ask yourself are you doing anything to move past these ruminating thoughts and take action? If you are seeking solutions you are focused on how to prevent ongoing problems and increase your chances of success rather than staying stuck and stressing about what already happened.
4. Create a stress management plan
This is one of our main focuses of this blog.. how to manage stress in a healthy and productive way. Stress management techniques and tools are key to keeping you on track in many areas of your life. Stress management looks different for everyone and can be anywhere from daily movement, reading, meditating, journaling and so much more. I work with my clients to ensure their “A Tasks” are incorporated into their day each day to ensure they are getting what they need to keep a positive mindset and focus on what they can control.
FREE Cheat Sheet Was Provided to My Clients This Week to demonstrate the Thought Exercise!
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