Reducing Stress Tip: Is it Worth Getting Upset Over?

I thought this one was worth repeating in light of election results last night and to keep in mind going into the holiday season:

Look at the big picture.

Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run. Will it matter in a month? A year? Is it really worth getting upset over? If the answer is no, focus your mind, time and energy on something else.  My husband tells me all the time to “Look at the doughnut, not at the hole.” 

Books to Reduce Your Stress

So we have a new President of the United States.  If you are stressing out over the outcome go to

https://soiamreadingthisbook.wordpress.com  for some great book recommendations.  Grab one and some tea.   Relax and breathe deeply.  It won't be as bad as people think.

My Favorite Healthy Living Sites

I am not a mom, but these sites have proven helpful for me over and over again:  


http://www.flylady.net/

http://www.drweil.com/ 

http://wellnessmama.com/ 

http://www.diabetes.org/

http://newleafwellness.biz/2015/08/06/31-crockpot-freezer-meals-for-back-to-school/ 

http://www.arthritis.org/ 

http://www.webmd.com/

https://www.211la.org/

Focus on the Positive

Look for the upside.   Look at your challenges as opportunities for personal growth. If poor choices created a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from your mistakes.

React Differently to Stress

Don't try to control it.  Sometimes things in life are beyond our control, especially the behavior of other people.  Don't stress out over them.  Put the focus on things you can control.  You give power to what you give your attention to.  So once you react differently to problems the problem will loosen it's power and hold on you.

Accept What You Can't Change

  

Some stress in our life cannot be avoided, such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession.  The best way to deal with stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may be hard to do, but   it's easier than constantly fighting a situation you can't change.

Adjusting Your Attitude

What you think has a profound effect emotional and physical well-being.  Every time you think a negative thought about yourself, your body reacts.  Think good thoughts about yourself and you are likely to feel good. Words like "always," "never," "should," and "must" are signs of self-defeating negative thoughts.

Out thoughts are powerful.   Here's an exercise to try:  Pick an object, any object, no matter how odd it might be.  Get centered and quiet and concentrate on the object for a while.  Give it you best and full attention and then slowly let it go.  Now over the next few days keep track of how many times you thought about the object!   Did it actually manifest in some way?  Like on TV, on Facebook, a magazine anywhere!   Your thoughts shape your world.  Use them with care.