 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
24 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.
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.
Dear 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!
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 :)
Shauna
10/3/2018 12:42:45 pm
I love your alphabet, Mar. Love the song, too. I actually graduated high school in 1975. 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!!!!
Dear 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.
I LOVE THIS!! What a beautiful and fun idea! And the things that make up your alphabet are true and sound advice! 10/4/2018 06:23:12 pm
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