Yes Thinking Differently Can Reduce Stress

Crap! That is what I thought when my husband told me that our county was under a mandatory evacuation. We were prepared to ride Hurricane Mathew out in the familiarity of our home. Our daughters wanted to leave; they were afraid. I suppose I should have been afraid, but at the moment, I was annoyed.

When faced with a stressful situation, it is almost natural to dwell on negative emotions. We can change our outlook by changing our thought pattern. A mindful way of thinking is to look at the situation in the present with curiosity and acceptance.

The initial thought is our emotional thought. It tells us how we really feel about a situation. Replaying these emotions does not change the situation and only makes us feel bad. The emotion is real and should be acknowledged. Ruminating or stewing over the emotion is counterproductive if it does not initiate positive action.

Dwelling on negative emotions causes you to feel threatened. Threats, whether perceived or actual initiate the stress response. When the stress response starts, hormones are released preparing the body to fight or flee. We are physically poised for action.

Taking positive action will decrease your stress level. Your physical movement will release the tension in your muscles. Emotionally you will feel better because of the actions you are taking towards a positive resolution.
A productive and stress relieving approach is to acknowledge the reality of the thought and feeling and then to acknowledge another more objective reality. I have outlined my thoughts using my initial emotional thought followed by my objective thought.

Try this tip yourself and let me know how it works. Do not fret if you have trouble letting the negative emotional thought go. We tend to hold onto the negative. You also may find yourself rejecting the objective reality thought. Getting used to shifting the paradigm will take practice. Just keep trying.

Here are a few examples of my initial emotional thoughts and the thoughts that replaced them.
Emotional: I dreaded the 1 ½ hour drive to my mother-in-law’s home.
Objective: The 1 ½ drive gave me a chance to spend quality time with our youngest daughter.

Emotional: I will be out of my comfort zone having to stay in someone else’s house.
Objective: After 20 years of marriage, I am familiar with her home and have always felt welcome

Emotional: If our property is damaged, we will be there.
Objective: Damage cannot be addressed until the storm has passed.

Obsessing or worrying over events that are beyond your control is counter-productive and increases stress. Take a proactive approach and use problem-solving skills to address the concern. You will feel better and think more clearly.

I invite you to download your free copy of “Stress is Personal; Your Personal Starter Guide to Stress Relief.” This 36 page guide will give you activities that will help you to prevent, manage, and relieve overwhelming stress.

For more suggestions, join the “Get Through the Day Without Losing It” 7 Day Challenge. Go beyond counting to 10 when you are pushed to the limit. Learn healthy ways to calm your mind and relax your body in 30 minutes or less. Click here to sign up and receive your first session.

Marcyline Bailey created the Happy Half Hour Club for “hardworking professionals who want to be happy.” We provide stress relieving tips and techniques to calm your mind and relax your body in 30 minutes or less. Join our Facebook group to share comments, questions, and suggestions or to just say hello. Click here to receive tips directly in your inbox.