“It’s not the load that breaks you. It’s the way you carry it.~ Lou Holz

Stress is inevitable, and some days it sucks, but with the right tools and attitude, you can get through most anything. And, you’re stronger than you think. When the going gets tough it’s important to listen to your body and mind…and give them what they’re asking for. Manage your schedule so you’re less overwhelmed, take time for yourself when you need it, and above all, maintain good health.

If all else fails, watch the short classic video below where I get serious with a sledge hammer (from 2010 people!) … or read the transcript that follows, and embrace stress as something you can manage (without breaking things).

Nothing fixes stress like demolition! But now that I think about it, this is the last room in the house that we need to renovate so I’d better find another way or it’s going to get costly quickly. But stress is something all of us live with and it has a negative impact on your health; from ulcers to hypertension to weight gain and worse, and why would you want to live like that? Yeah, sure, there’s dozens of ways that we can manage our stress. I’m going to share three with you right now.

The first is to manage your schedule, to prioritize in your day. You’re not going to benefit from having an over-scheduled day and a to-do list that you won’t get through. That’s just going to add to your stress. Instead, focus on two or three important areas you know you have to get done and when they’re done, if you get extras complete, that’s a bonus.

Number two, in the moment, if you’re finding yourself in a stressful situation where you can feel your blood boiling, or someone’s rubbed you the wrong way, the best thing you can do is nothing. Stop. Take a deep breath of air. Walk away if you have to. To react in the instant only adds to your stress.

And by far, the single best thing that you can do to manage your stress is to fight it, increase your defenses against it, increase your resilience through physical health. I don’t know if there’s a better way to manage your stress than through regular moderate exercise, through mostly healthful eating (instead of sugary treats and comfort food that’s only going to cause weight gain and other stress), and to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. I don’t know why that’s become a luxury but it’s the way that our body restores itself.

There you go. Stress management with three simple tools; Manage your schedule, stay calm in the moment, and fight against stress through physical health over time. I think it’s reasonable. It’s going to help you manage stress and help you get energy now. And now if I could just figure out a way to get this cabinet off the wall. Yeah!

Michelle Cederberg, CSP, MKin, BA Psyc
CEP, CPCC, ORSC

Empowering today’s dreamers, leaders and go-getters to create the life and career they want.


www.michellecederberg.com
403-850-5589

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