Mind over Matter
I learned in the army that stress is self created. In other words, dont let things that you cannot control cause you stress. Mind over Matter - If you dont mind, it dont Matter...
I very much like this approach Andrea. Having a list of questions in your back pocket sounds like a great way to evaluate the stress situation and put things into perspective.
I absolutely agree with this line of thinking.
When I get stressed about something, I ask myself two questions.
1. Can I control this?
If the answer is, "no" I know that I can only control my reaction.
2. Will this current problem effect me in 5 years?
If the answer is, "no" I let it go.
If the answer is , "yes" see question 1.
You have a point Brian. When we don't address stress head on, it can build and cause more trouble for us in the longer term.
absolutely. We are the main reason that we deal with stress. If we do not put ourselves in the path of stree then we will not have stress. If stress is unavoidable, do not let it build up because this will cause a dominoe effect. Deal with it as soon as possible and overcome it.
Wow, it sounds like you are teaching the right techniques Margaret. Your students are surely benefiting. They question is whether you are using those techniques yourself and whether they are working for you.
I agree that it's usually easier to control our bodies than to control our minds. I teach breathing and physical exercises to my fearful Speech students, partly to help them deal with stress. Just the concentration needed to focus on the exercise already releases tension; and the more relaxed they are, the better they can concentrate: Mind-body unity, rather than mind over matter.
I also agree with trying lots of approaches to find a repertoire of things that work in different situations; and I think it's important to keep up the training so relaxation is familiar and easier to attain.
This is true. Individual differences are important to consider. Knowing what works for you is key.
Every one is diffrent and have deffrent ways to deal with stress, so what works for one may not work for another. We must all find the way that works best for us as individuals so it might be exercise for one and talking for another ect...
"Easier said than done, Daniel" As much as we may want we can not stop our mind from working/thinking. It is wonderful to use mind over matter but hard to do. I think using the methods of stress reducers is a better way to go.
Nice saying Daniel! Yes, much of our stress has to do with our priorities and our outlook. It is possible to change these and change the amount of stress we experience.
