mar's Desk

The Stress-Free Alphabet

10/3/2018

The alphabet has been a guiding principle for me since my Mom taught me - now over 50 years ago.

As a nursing instructor and a writer, the alphabet is a handy tool I seem to reach for time after time when exploring complex subjects.

The subject of this week's post is coping with stress.

Lately I seem to have an easier time giving wisdom to others in stress management than "practicing what I preach." As such, I thought I'd develop an alphabet that "I" could refer to ... !! If any or all of this post speaks to you, that would be amazing as well.

These simple strategies really do work for me - when I put my mind to it. I'd love to hear what other stress busters you reach for when having "one of those days".

Ask for what I need

Boundary setting

Communicating effectively and directly

Deep breathing

Emotional awareness - aka "my weather report"

Focus on priorities - mine, not everyone else's

Gratitude for what is going right

Humor

Imagery

Journal writing

Kindness - especially to myself

Leisure time - aka "not working"

Music - all kinds

Nature time

Openness

Patience - especially with myself

Quiet time

Relaxation

Sleep hygiene

Time management

Upbeat outlook

Valuing my judgment and experience

Walking - with my dog, Andy

Xpressing myself creatively

Young-at-heart mindset

Zest / enthusiasm for life

I was sad to learn of the September 27th death of Marty Balin - best known as the founder and one of the lead singers and songwriters of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. "Miracles" has to be my all time favorite Balin song - released when I was a high school Freshman in 1975.

Until next week, wishing us all peace and no stress, mar

26 Comments

Mike

10/3/2018 09:23:36 am

Great concept Maria. Let's see what do I reach for when stressed. First thought was Jack Daniels, the cannabis, then I go in search of opioids and ...well you get the path. And all this time, 'deep breathing' may have worked. Stress kills so many, I know I should not be making light of the subject. Oh, painting the interior of a house is great for relieving stress, or so I have been told.

Jefferson Airplane was bigger than they are getting credit for at the moment.

Maria link

10/3/2018 09:34:52 am

Funny guy, Mike... I know you realize this is a list of healthy coping strategies. Unhealthy habits end up causing more stress in the long run, for sure.

I am also much calmer after I do my paint trimming projects / or weeding the gardens - nature has a way of soothing our souls.

I agree and plan to keep Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship alive in my memories.

Vicki link

10/3/2018 09:40:54 am

Dear Mareer,

Loving listening to your vid as I write this. It is relaxing, and I loved it all those years ago.

I like your alphabet ideas too. Really something to strive for, using it as a checklist. I agree it’s harder to practice than to preach, especially as you care about everyone else in your life so much. Maybe 'T' could also be 'thinking about how much you’re loved by so many'.

Mike, you’re a hoot. Just don’t do the deep breathing thing when you go to phone someone!

Love and hugs,
Vickster

Maria link

10/3/2018 07:39:26 pm

Aw, Vickster,
Thanks for this sweet comment - especially another take on the letter "T".
You and your visit are most appreciated.
Love and hugs to you too, mareer

Verlie

10/3/2018 09:51:46 am

Thank you Mar, for the reminders from your dear Mom, and the permission to take time for oneself. I seem to thrive on stress, but it does takes its toll. Now, time for a little morning music, always enjoy your picks. Have a great day!

Maria link

10/3/2018 07:42:03 pm

Good to see you, as always, dear Verlie.

I'm happy this was your cup of tea - especially my musical choice.

Have a peaceful evening.
Love you, Maria

Jenna

10/3/2018 09:58:17 am

I find the one thing that brings me back to reality when I stress over big and even little things... is that we are only in control of one thing, day in and day out... ourselves! Once I take a step back and realize this, all those stressors start to seem much smaller than I thought :)

Maria link

10/3/2018 07:43:25 pm

Love your attitude and wise words, dear Jenna.

Thanks for the visit and see you tomorrow!

Peg Cole link

10/3/2018 10:31:12 am

Music and gratitude for all the blessings I have - that's what works (usually) for me. Sometimes things do get out of control and there's nothing we can do about it. That's when I pray. Hugs and Love to you. P

Maria link

10/3/2018 07:44:51 pm

Thanks for weighing in, dear Peg. As usual, we are closely aligned in our coping strategies.

Love you very much, Maria

Shauna

10/3/2018 12:42:45 pm

I love your alphabet, Mar. Love the song, too. I actually graduated high school in 1975.

Stress doesn't find me all that often, but I'll surely refer to your alphabet the next time it comes knocking on my soul.

Maria link

10/3/2018 07:52:42 pm

Dear Sha,

I'm so glad stress is a stranger to you - as it should be.

Yet another song we love in common - I know we grew up to the same soundtrack of life.

Love and hugs, mar

Ruby link

10/3/2018 02:00:53 pm

I must admit that I've let stress rule lately. I know that all of my friend's know about my son Jackie having cancer, and if that wasn't enough, my husband Ray has a leaking mitral valve that requires surgery. He's been seeing a cardiologist in Evansville, In. where he's had all the procedures done. ( TEE and TTE ) We both feel that something this serious should be done by the best, so I called the Mayo Clinic two days ago and set the wheels in motion to have the surgery done there. It's going to take some time for them to get his records and film, but I think it's the best way to go.. We both have turned it over in God's hands. When we came to that conclusion our stress level has gone down. My son is doing well. He gets an infusion every three weeks and the cancer on his back has reduced in size. It seems like a perfect time for you to write about stress. I am nor surprised. You have helped me many times in the past. I love the video, the scenery is beautiful. God bless you, love you!!!!

Maria link

10/3/2018 07:55:59 pm

Aw Ruby, I will keep your husband, your son and YOU in my heart and prayers.

You are such a source of strength and support to everyone you love - I hope you know that means more than you know.

Love you and big hugs too, Maria

Sannel link

10/3/2018 02:29:36 pm

Dear Maria,

I love your alphabet suggestions and I particularly love the letter W. :) Time spent with our four wheel drivers are the best stress management we can get. Whatever their names, Andy, Freddie, Aunt Baby, Max, Alvin. . . They are all doing their very best to be the very best stress busters in the world. So blessed to have them in my life. I love them and I love you! Thank you for a beautiful read.
Hugs to you and Andy,
Sannel and Freddie

Maria link

10/3/2018 08:03:40 pm

Dear Sannel,

I totally agree with you about our four-legged fur babies - they make everything in the world look rosy with their unconditional love.

Wishing you and Freddie a lovely week. Love you, Maria

paula

10/3/2018 03:02:09 pm

Maria.... I earned a PhD (Personal happiness Decisions) in Stress handling, ...speaking of the "alphabet." I love the terms attached to your alphabet listing and honestly~ have used them all at various times of stress. Some, all in the same damned day~for the same damned reasons! (sigh)....Whatever works, girlfriend. That's my go-to line at the end of the day.
The wisdom you have passed on here deserves a special Thank you. I had more fun & giggles than a trio of monkeys sharing a joint, replacing my own twisted tags to each letter of the alphabet.
Slapping myself back into serious reality, I drop anything I happen to be doing and indulge in one of my favorite hobbies (sewing, writing, reading, coloring) I put all my focus into what's in front of me, as though nothing is more important at that moment. I usually have some soothing music on in the background, burn a fragrance candle, lock my doors and turn off the phone. Sip on herbal tea and remind myself how blessed I am in family love.
So, what's to be stressed about? I have held more imaginary funerals in my mind, for more assholes, than anyone possibly could! Bah-BYE, Jerk! One more shovel of dirt and you're GONE! Love you girl! Paula/Effer

Maria link

10/3/2018 08:06:52 pm

Love this comment and you too, dear Paula.

Your sense of humor and inner peace are admirable - and your directness is refreshing.

Big hugs and have a peaceful night, Maria

Cynthia link

10/4/2018 07:55:18 am

I LOVE THIS!! What a beautiful and fun idea! And the things that make up your alphabet are true and sound advice!
I feel ya, too. I *know* what I should be doing for myself: making sure to get enough sleep, not using screens before bedtime, eating earlier in the day (and not at 8:30pm for dinner)...and I still don't always take my advice. Hehe.
Happy Thursday to you! I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend coming up. xoxo

Maria link

10/11/2018 05:57:50 am

Thanks dear Cynthia.
I knew that I would be preaching to the choir with you .
Love and hugs , Maria

Martie link

10/4/2018 12:52:59 pm

Dear Mar

This alphabet needs to be read every day by moi. I am going to put it where I can see it all day.

Tons of love,

Martie

Maria link

10/11/2018 06:00:08 am

Wonderful- thanks for the validation and morning smile , dear Martie .

Love you too , mar

Rolly A.Chabot link

10/4/2018 06:23:12 pm

Hi Miss Mar...

We are under the veil of stress in our lives. My greatest stress releif is nature and I turn to her often. No matter the weather there is nothing like a long walk through the river valley listening to the sounds of silence.
In my ministry I deal with several different backgrounds and of all causes of stress it seems to come back to two things. First is money and the second is the direction the world seems to be turning with politics and natural disasters taking place in places who have never experienced them.
Again my remody is always turn to what is real and that is nature.

Hugs from Canada

Maria link

10/11/2018 06:02:28 am

Thanks for sharing your wise strategies with us, dear Rolly.

Hugs to you too , mar

Angelia S. Phillips

10/21/2018 11:37:03 am

Prof. Mahreer,

Stress is such nasty business. Keeping it at bay is a near-ongoing task. I diminish it by daily time in my favorite book and interaction with my fav person. 😊

Maria link

10/22/2018 07:34:59 pm

Thanks, dear Ange - I am forever inspired by you / your outlook. :)

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The Stress-Free Alphabet

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