Dealing With Stress
until the evening report, when you can get it in one half-hour shot, rather than leaving CNN on all day. Make a new rule: No discussing negative events at meals. This allows you and your family to touch base, focus on each other and your positive accomplishments, and may allow you to digest your meal in relative peace.
The old advice to count to ten before losing your temper may be more constructive than we know. The feeling of anger only lasts for a few moments, unless we feed it by rehashing the “reasons” for it. It’s harder to take angry words and deeds back than to keep our tempers in the first place. You may be surprised at how quickly we are able to dispel anger once we stop trying to justify it to ourselves.
While getting angry and “venting” is popular on the talk show circuit, some studies suggest that we are only creating more stress for ourselves by yelling and getting worked up. Talking calmly and rationally about the stress is a much more productive and effective means of dealing with it. If you don’t have a close friend or relative to talk to (or your stress is too personal to share with someone close), finding a sympathetic counselor or clergyperson to talk things over with can reduce stress effects on your body, mind and spirit.
On average, a person needs 12 hugs a day for optimum mental and spiritual well-being. Why be average? :-) Practice saying “I love you” to your family and close friends, even if you’re not usually demonstrative. Do little things to let your loved ones know that you care. Believe me, it will go a long way towards reducing THEIR stress, as well!
I believe that each of us is as strong as we need to be, and that we are all stronger than we realize. Don’t let stress and anxiety cripple you. As persons with a chronic illness, we need to be examples of the ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity, no matter the form it takes.
Peace be with you.
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