Getting a Handle on Daily Stress

Stress Management is a process that encompasses focusing on lifestyle -- that is the interaction of our thoughts and feelings, our behaviors, values and attitudes. Addressing stress holistically includes all aspects of not only the way we perceive and react to events that cause stress, but also the role of nutrition, activity levels and exercise.

It is common for most people to view stress as something that should be eliminated in their lives. But stress presents itself, not only the in daily upsets we perceive but also in happy events.

Keeping a written record is known as "self monitoring." People that keep good written records are far more likely to see positive results. Why? Writing things down raises your awareness of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It also helps you to identify "triggers" or what causes stress for YOU.

Most stress is a result of our thoughts about a situation. Writing down your stressful situations will help you focus on how you feel, will enable you to decide whether your reaction was appropriate and will help you to practice visualizing how you might better handle the same type of situation in the future should you need to make some adjustments.

We recommend you begin self-monitoring your "stress events" for at least one week, using a rating scale of 8 (major) to 1 (no biggie)........it's just one first step but change is a "step-wise" process...

" Great things" are done "by a series of small things brought together." (- Vincent van Gogh)

Denise C. Williams, CLC
Denisew@lifestylesols.com