Dealing with the Stress of it All

 
Just like everyone else on the planet... I'm busy, very busy!! I'm getting married next year, I'm in school full time, I'm trying to navigate the delightfully convoluted process of foreign and domestic adoption, and I've recently quit my day job to focus on building my company. I know a lot of you out there are in the same crazy-schedule-boat. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my life for anyone else's but sometimes I do get a bit overwhelmed. So I thought I would share with you how I deal with the stress of it all.
 
I Don't Stress About Things I Can't Control
There are many situations in life that suck but are just outside our control. I've had my fair share of health issues that really took their toll. The one thing I really tried to focus on was that I couldn't control any of it. All I could do was put my trust in the doctors and stay positive that it would work out. I truly  believe that fostering negative attitudes has a very real effect on your health and recovery rate. By letting go of the stress caused by uncontrolable situations I was a lot happier and in turn felt healthier and more able to face what was coming.
 
If I Can Control it I do Something About it
I'm all for a good venting session with my girlfriends or my fiance sometimes... but I try really hard to not give myself free reign to complain about things. Venting is a great way to relieve stress short term but it doesn't help in the long term and it can quickly spiral into a trend of continual unproductive complaining. For long term stress relief I find it helpful to take a deep breath, sit down in a quiet space and make a plan of attack. Once I have a plan I feel more in control and ready to tackle any issue. Sometimes having small attainable goals on the way to the big goal helps keep me motivated and more likely to continue being productive and proactive.
 
I Laugh and Laugh Hard
When I feel myself getting worked up about something I try to stop and find the silver lining. Usually that means I start laughing. Laughter increases endorphines that improves mood and decreases levels of the stress-causing hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It can usually be so much worse than it is and later down the road I'm going to laugh about it so why not laugh about it now? Life is too short to get worked up over little things.
 
I Appreciate Anything and Everything
Stop, take a deep breath, list ten things you appreciate in your life. It can be anything!!! Running water, family, down duvets, cable TV, cell phones... anything. Truly take a moment to feel the positive energy of being thankful. See, now doesn't that feel better?! We are so blessed in this country for so many reasons and I try to remember that.
 
I Find my Happy Place
If all else fails... I run away. Literaly, I run... or I do yoga. You might find listening to music, meditating, taking a bubble bath, having a glass of wine (responsibly of course) or tai chi helpful. Any systems of mindfulness that incorporate physical and/or mental exercises can prevent stress before it becomes a problem. Whatever you sanctuary is, don't be afraid to use it. It doesn't mean you're weak or taking away from someone else by needing to take some time for yourself. Give yourself time and space to regenerate.
 
Do you have ways that you find effective for dealing with stress? Let us know about it on Facebook or leave a comment on our blog.

Taya de Baat
Owner
TayLynn Bookkeeping

Taylynnbooks@shaw.ca
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