Deal with Stress Today

Donna Marie Consulting

Call 734-420-2935

Do You Use Avoidance as a Strategy to Deal with Stress in Your Life?

by

Avoiding situations won’t deal with stress. In fact, avoidance may actually escalate your stress. Have you been guilty of this? Everyone has come into contact with a situation that causes stress, fear and anxiety. As a culture, we have a fight or flight response to many stress filled situations, with many people more easily making the choice of flight. This means that many people are choosing to avoid stressful events or situations entirely, rather than deal directly with the source of their stress or fear.

While in the short term, this seems like an easy fix, in actuality it can cause much more harm than good. By choosing to skip out on any event that may cause you undue stress, you will not be able to effectively learn tools and coping skills. There are many things you can do yourself to  help you prepare to deal with stress in advance.

One effective tool is planning ahead. Envision the stressful situation in your mind. Maybe it is a situation at work, such as a meeting where you always feel put on the spot.  Now break down the event into steps. Visualize in your mind a successful meeting. Visualize being calm, centered and in control during the whole meeting. Imagine successfully answering any questions posed to you, easily and calmly. The more you can picture yourself succeeding, the more you will be able to meet any challenge thrown your way.

Also, take time to connect with yourself before every stressful situation so that you do not feel like you need to run away from a challenge or stress. Take time to do deep breathing, relaxation or meditation, or take time to thank the universe for the multiple blessings in your life. Many people also practice affirmations. Repeating positive thoughts over and over to yourself will allow you to prep yourself to deal with stress and stressful situations as they arise.

Once you have spent time envisioning a challenging situation going smoothly, preparing internally for the challenges that may lie ahead, and practicing positive self talk and affirmations, you will be prepared and ready meet any challenging situation that may come your way. Deal with stress in this way and you will find that difficult situations can become easier, and you will be able to meet your challenges head on.

Choose Mindfulness Meditation When Stressed by Difficult Co-Workers

by

Dealing with difficult co-workers in the workplace can add increased stress to anyone’s life. Everyone knows that  one person in their office that they may find it difficult to communicate with. Maybe this is a co-worker who constantly tries to trump you in the office. Perhaps it’s a boss that doesn’t lead successfully, or an assistant that you simply cannot see eye to eye with.

Day to day pressures become more intense, conversations with these individuals can become more strained, and the relationship can begin taking a toll on your work performance. Don’t allow these negative relationships to take over your life! Begin by dealing with stress in the workplace in a positive way!

The first  suggestion on dealing with stress in the workplace is to begin practicing Mindful Meditation. Mindful Meditation is a quick and easy way to relax your body and mind, while additionally creating a space that is incredible positive.

Start and end your day with some simple thoughts of what you are grateful for. Try to clear your mind of any negative energy, and surround yourself with positive energy. When you know that you have to interact with this person at work, prepare yourself. Realize that you may become frustrated, but that no situation will be insurmountable. Take a few moments to use Mindfulness Meditation here as well.

First think of the positives. Then you can begin by playing the conversation you are about to have in your mind. Now analyze what part of this conversation might cause you undue stress. Prepare your answers in advance. This way, if the stressful situation does arrive, you will already be prepared.

Next, think about different ways you might be able to communicate with this individual. Finding the best method of communication with difficult co workers is a terrific step in dealing with stress at work. For example, if face to face contact causes a more intense reaction, try communicating mostly over email, or over the phone. If you feel calmer in the morning, try scheduling meetings or talks with this co-worker at that time.

If your other co-workers spend time talking negatively about the office, or specific individuals, choose not to participate. Try to remain as positive about your co-workers and your working environment as you can. The more positive energy you can bring to your job, the easier it will be to deal with the stress at work that does occur in a less taxing manner.

There are many ways in which you can turn a difficult relationship into a positive one. Taking simple steps to relax yourself, practice mindfulness meditation, and carefully choose your method of communication, can have you well on your way to a more upbeat and productive working environment.

How to Deal with Stress at Work and Thrive

by

If you are having trouble dealing with stress at work, do not worry, you are not alone. The majority of people find that their day to day work schedule evokes some kind of stress response. If your daily stressors build up too much, it can start effecting your work performance, your mood, and even stay with you after your work day has ended.

It may seem like stress at work is a problem that is unavoidable, but this is far from the case. There are numerous way in which you can take time to relax during your work day, thereby reducing your over all stress load and relaxing your mind and body. Not only will you be in a better, more uplifted mood, but also you will be ready to focus more clearly on the work tasks that lie ahead of you.

Continue Reading

The Holidays are Here: Tips to Deal with Stress

by

Lets face it. The holidays are stressful. No matter how you prepare, or how much time and energy you put into readying yourself for the holidays, many holidays will end up being a bit tough for everyone. However, there are many ways you can deal with stress head on during the holiday season!

Many people expect that the holidays have to be perfect, they may run themselves ragged day in and day out trying to create the spot on holiday experience. The first thing to realize is that your holiday does not have to be perfect.

Confronting your ideas about holiday perfection is a great way to begin the process of dealing with holiday stress.  If you and your family are already feeling stressed out by the holiday season, there are a few things you can do to reduce that level of stress and make your holiday season a happier one.

The first thing you can do when dealing with stress around the holidays is to prepare for the situation you might be entering into. If you have known stressors during this season, huge meals to plan, or family members visiting that cause you negativity, take some time to relax. Make sure that in the midst of the hustle and bustle you get to take some “you” time.

If some holiday event does not go as planned, know that it is OK. There is no use getting frustrated with yourself during the holiday season.

Many people create undue stress for themselves when planning gifts for others. Remind yourself that whatever you give will be perfect. For most people, just the thought that someone is thinking about them enough to give them something is what really matters.

To deal with stress of the holidays, you must prepare yourself. There are many built in stressors lurking out there, like extra food and drinks, or not enough sleep. Know that this time, like many other difficult times of the year, you need to make sure to give your body what it needs.

Make sure to eat healthy when you can, which will allow you to enjoy holiday meals with family. Make sure to exercise regularly, which is known to reduce your stress levels dramatically. Make sure you are sleeping enough every night. Practice saying “no” when you have over extended yourself.

Yes, the holidays can be trying times, but times that will be filled with love, happiness and fun. Just double check that you deal with stress before it gets the better of you, and you will be well on your way to a happy holiday season!