Everyday we seem to get caught up in dealing with situations or people that we find stressful. Usually our level of stress is higher or lower depending on our own mood or emotions at the time of the situation. On any other day the same situation or conversation may not even be something you take notice of.
Have you ever noticed that some of us, (I am including myself here as I know my husband will read this and include me) let the smallest things upset us while other people just seem to be able to deal with the same thing in a completely calm and rational way? Frankly it can also add to our frustration when others don’t react as we think they should based on our own reactions.
In an effort to try to combat some of the things that can cause us to get over-anxious, or frustrated, or stressed, or upset I found some helpful tips that we should all try to apply to our lives each day and hopefully relieve ourselves (and those around us) from some of our more “stressful” situations.
Forgive yourself for mistakes and poor choices in life.
Forgive others for wrongs or perceived wrongs towards you.
Stop judging your life by the actions or words of others.
Don’t get personally involved in other people’s situations, especially if they are negative.
Don’t worry if decisions you have made are right or wrong, the decision is made.
Don’t get caught up comparing your life to everyone else’s, it is not a contest, and it is to be lived on your terms not theirs.
Don’t take everything personally, everything is not about you.
Don’t sweat the small stuff, and most stuff is the small stuff.
Don’t handle every situation like it is an emergency, if it is not it can wait.
Do something nice for yourself.
Do something nice for others.
Stop allowing others to make you feel pressured in any situation.
Don’t just complain about things, if it is possible to fix, do so.
Don’t obsess over things you have no control over. Some things will just happen.
Stop over analyzing every situation.
Things that have not happened yet, may not happen so don’t waste time worrying about what might
happen in the future.
Take words like stressed out, worried, or pressured out of your vocabulary.
Don’t create unnecessary drama in your life, relax.
Don’t be materialistic. More stuff means more stress. No need to keep up with the Jones’.
If it’s not your problem don’t make it your problem.
Don’t get caught up in gossip.
Try to remember that most situations don’t last forever and you will get through it.
If a situation won’t still matter in a few years don’t dwell on it, move on.
Don’t put unrealistic demands on yourself and your time. Do what you can, the rest can wait.
Don’t rush through a meal, relax and enjoy.
Try to cut spending to save for the future and become free from debt.
Don’t create problems to focus on, there will be enough without making them up.
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Know when to ask for help.
Exercise every day; it will help your mind and your body.
Play with your children or pets every day.
Find a hobby or activity that is just for you.
The beginning of every conversation should be positive.
Eliminate unnecessary commitments.
Accept that things can take longer than you think.
Always be early (not too early) so that you don’t feel hurried.
Remember that negative situations in life teach us important life lessons.
Help others whenever possible.
Laugh at yourself, you know others are.
Create a “to do” list but don’t add to it until you have completed something from it.
Read for pleasure as often as possible.
You should LOL at something every day.
Be thankful for the small things and show that you appreciate them.
Get rid of anything or anyone that makes you miserable.
Don’t stress out trying to get everyone to agree with you, that will never happen.
Be sure to smile at everyone, every day, whether you feel like it or not, you will soon feel like it.
If you’re feeling down about something, look around and help someone else who needs a hand.
Every day try to see your future in the most positive light.
Take every opportunity to be encouraging to others.
Tell the people you love how you feel daily, even if you’re temporarily mad at them.
Life isn’t always fair but it is still a gift, practice gratitude.
Yes, the list is quite long and while I don’t believe that by applying these techniques to our lives we will never feel stress but at least it may eliminate some of the “over stressing” in our lives and allow us to be happier and healthier individuals. 🙂
My Life...After 50 