While it is very important to answer the question "How can I manage stress? it is equally - if not more - important to answer what can I do to become less stressed?
In the case of the former, it is how to calm down once we are already stressed, in the case of the latter, it is what to do so as not to have to apply the former so much -even though the situations are the same, how do I interpret them with less stress and more clarity-.
Learning to change the way we perceive day-to-day events can make the difference between a chaotic life and a harmonious one.
So, let's get to the actionable.
The key is to start regulating yourself BEFORE you get to stress: The first step is to recognize, "Ok, I'm starting to get stressed, why?"
Questions always lead the way:
- What is the WORST that can happen if things don't go the way I have in mind?
- Am I projecting my peace of mind in the results? Can I be calm even if not everything goes as I want it to?
- How would you interpret this same situation if you were not stressed?
This is a "stress moment to stress moment" exercise. A quick scan of our thoughts and the right questions change how we view the event.
The most important thing is to always keep in mind the magical "I can look at this situation without stressing out. I can see this situation without fear/rage/anger." The root of the interpretation is in us, not in the event.
