Eliminate, Reduce, or Cope
Often times you can get stressed out about stressing out! By creating a list of stressers and categorizing them into those that can be eliminated, reduced, and to cope with those that can't be eliminated / reduced it helps make the task at hand more achievable. Have you used this method yet? If so, what are some of the results? If not, how are you planning to implement or if not interested, why are you not going to use this method?
This struck a cord with me. The stress list is comparable to a to do list. Some goals/stressers are harder to complete than others. It makes perfect sense to break down the steps of how to eliminate or reduce a stresser just as you would with any other goal!
ROBBYN, I understand where you are coming from. It can be stressful to listen to others who are talking about stress. While talking is a good way to reduce how stress makes us feel, doing something about it is usually much better.
Dr. Melissa Read
I so can relate to your statement. There are so many times that I explain to my students that if they would stop stressing over being stressed they would be much more productive. It drives me nuts to hear people going on about how stressed they are because of all these things they have to do yet they are wasting time and energy to complain. I feel that rather than complaining people should set obtainable goals and focus on reaching those before setting new goals. Even if it is something as simple as prioritizing time for work, school and homework. I realize it can be stressful to have a full plate but complaining just wastes time and energy.
Niurka, Yes, this is a wonderful list. Avoiding negative people definitely helps. Negative people can be very stressful to work with and interact with too. Try to keep that to a minimum where possible and you'll experience the benefits.
Dr. Melissa Read
We can use 100 ways to cope with stress,avoid chemical aids,set appointments, write it down,say no more often,set priorities, AVOID NEGATIVE PEOPLE, etc
Angela, So true. Easier said than done of course. Some instructors are great at letting stress from out-of-control situations melt away. Others linger on stressful topics that cannot be controlled. It sounds like you have a great outlook.
Dr. Melissa Read
I always tell my co workers that it just doesn't pay to stress over things that are our control. Focus on what you can control and youmwill be happier and healthier.
Justin, Indeed true. Some stress can be eliminated and that's always preferred. When we can't eliminate stress, coping mechanisms are a great outlet.
Dr. Melissa Read
I couldn't agree more. Reducution of stress really helps out. If it can be elminated that is even better.
Faith, So true. I often tell my students that it is not the challenges we face in life that define us, but how we manage through them. It sounds like you have found a great way to do that with yoga and meditation.
Dr. Melissa Read
I find yoga & meditation to be helpful when elminating and or reducing stress. Many times it is how we react to an event that makes it stressful, but learning to go with the flow is important in finding a basic way to be.
Very good points. I am in the practice of re-evaluating stress reduction during the school breaks. This gives me an opportunity four times each year to re-assess what is stressing me and what I can do to either eliminate, reduce, or cope with it.
I have found that reading the Bible and exercising are most effect stress-relieving activities that I engage in. One is cerebral and the other is physical. The combination of these two has worked very well for me in minimizing stress.
Glenn, So true! When we let stress get to us, it can be a downward spiral. Yes, I have used list making and categorization to great benefit. Lists can make all my tasks feel like they are under control.
Dr. Melissa Read
