Positive Thinking
I agree Journaling is a very good Idea and should be added to this course as a stress reducer. I have been using this technique. I know friends will listen; however, I do not want to create a negative environment for anyone. This brings up another technique; positive thinking. I do not dwell on negative things; I set my mind on things that are good and how to turn a negative into a positive.
This is indeed a careful balance Chris. The goal of journaling is to get negative thoughts out of your mind. If it's not working, you might try something different.
Sometimes I find my journaling and self talk conflict. I might use my journaling to dump negative feelings but if I'm not careful I might incorporate those thoughts into my self talk. I need to be balanced in my journaling to avoid any negative carry over.
Nanci, that is a great point. I once had an instructor that gave me a wonderful piece of advise. I went to his office to ask for a different assigned seat in class because the classmate next to me was bothersome. I explained to my instructor that my classmate "made me feel uncomfortable." At that point, he stopped me and explained that no one had the power to "make me" feel anything and that I had to learn to be in utmost control of my emotions and not to ever let someone else dictate how I should or would feel.
Obviously, I paid attention and took note. It took a long time to learn to do this and in all honesty, some days it is a struggle. However, I have found that if I can hold myself accountable for my emotions and not the actions of others, I am at ease and do not stress over things that I cannot control.
I think that as a professional of any kind it is important to be cognizant of what kinds of things you can control and work with and what things one cannot. It is nothing short of mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting to dwell on the irresponsibility and negative of others.
Journaling is a great idea. I agree, it is good and important to share, but you don't want your venting to become a dumping session on someone else. Journaling is a good way to "dump" your feelings without transferring those negative emotions to someone else. Thanks for the suggestions. I might try this technique!
Journaling helps me keep problems in focus. What seems to be a big obstacle (such as a new text book) can become a smaller one after reflection.
I also find positive self talk helpful. If I find my self thinking..."you will not get this done on time.." I try to stop and rethink the situation
I believe this method is highly effective, I always seem rushed, however, when I take the time to journal my thoughts, I feel much better.
I think that this is something that would work well for me. I agree that going on and on with others often creates more negative than positive. Just writing my thoughts when needed and possibly giving myself some goals to acheive from time to time.
