Don't Let Stress Get the Best of You
by Suzanne Zoglio
 It’s easy to feel stressed these days with a roller coaster market, unemployment, corporate corruption, terrorism around the world, and wacky weather that makes one wonder if we have irreparably riled Mother Nature. What we once "knew" no longer is, and what we never dreamed of has--in many cases--come true. No wonder we’re stressed!
However, even in an insane world, we don’t all respond to stress in the same way. Two coworkers are given the same deadline; one sees it as enormous pressure--the other as needed motivation. One woman perceives divorce as increased freedom, while another feels great loss. Two breadwinners laid off will both be stressed, yet one gets an ulcer while the other gets a new job. Why such a wide range of responses? The answer is this: stress is very personal. It’s based on our personal perceptions of a threat, our level of confidence or faith, and our ability to turn desire into action. In other words, to manage stress, we need to protect our best parts--our inner wisdom, our faith, and our creative inspiration. The question is: "Will you take charge and manage your stress...or let it get the best of you?"
Assuming you’d prefer to be in the driver’s seat, here are three things you can do to keep your stress in check (please notice that not one of them involves pulling out your hair, escaping to Tahiti, or telling your boss off).
Stress-Buster #1: Listen To Your Inner Voice...Often!
Imagine if you will, that you have at your disposal a wise old mentor who knows much about life, and love, and growth and challenge. As your generous guide, this sage replies to your questions with assurances, suggestions, and reminders of your past successes. Whenever you hear that clear, calm, and caring voice, you know in an instant just what to do. You know in your soul the path that is right for you next. Now, imagine further that you actually take the time to listen to this priceless wisdom. What would your life be like? Would your focus be clear? Your heart grateful? Your confidence at an all-time high? Isn’t that your desired state?
That may be the desired state, but in today’s 24/7, busy-is-better world, we more often race through the day at a break-neck pace, without noticing what hurts, what’s great, or our own internal state. If you have ever noticed a bruise that you don’t recall making, you’ll understand how much we tune out throughout the day...
>>> Continue Reading "Don't Let Stress Get the Best of You"©
Copyright Suzanne Zoglio, Ph.D. This article was
originally
published at our website, SoulfulLiving.com,
in Sept. 2002, as part of our "Stress Relief" Issue.
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