Personally, I like Mondays. It's the beginning of a brand new week, a week filled with new opportunities and new beginnings. I know that not everybody feels this way. I do understand that life in 2018 can be complicated; there's so much going on and some of it is pretty hard to digest. Life can makes us anxious, that's for sure. But there are some ways frogs, and you humans, can help to insulate yourself from having too much stress and anxiety which, as we all know by now, isn't good for our health. So here's a look at a few of easy remedies we can utilize to help us better cope when we're feeling anxious.
1. If you're the anxious type, structure can be your best friend. Making up a daily to-do list helps to keep you on track and helps to make you feel more in control. But most importantly, lists help to keep you focused on the here and now. You're mind can't as easily float away if you know that you have a phone call to make, errands to run or a meeting to attend.
2. Having a team to back you up can be helpful. too. This team can be made up of family, friends, coworkers, and even paid professionals. It's just a group of folks, your own personal team, who can help you "settle down" when you become too anxious and get distracted. Knowing that you have a few people you can call and talk to when life starts feeling overwhelming, can be very comforting. Feeling alone can make you feel more anxious. It's nice to be able to talk things over with someone who understands you and your life; to get their "take" on things.
3. If your environment is out of control, you feel out of control. making sure that your home and office space is organized and neat is a great way to feel more in control of your life. When your surroundings are chaotic, it's easy to feel chaotic yourself. There's no need to become a neat-freak, however. Allow yourself a few minutes in the morning and in the evening to clear away the clutter and do some light cleaning. I always feel better and work better when my own lily pad is organized and I know where everything is. Not having to waste time hunting for your shoes, a pen that actually writes, or the bills that need paying is a priceless gift you can give yourself.
4. Alone time is important for your own well-being and self-care. it's not selfish and can play a key role in calming your nerves. Whether is going for a relaxing massage, taking a walk in nature, or having a cup of coffee with a friend...like someone on your team...private time away from stress and worry helps each of us to recharge our batteries.
5. When I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, I like to give myself a pep talk. By giving myself a few words of encouragement, I know that I can face whatever challenges are coming my way. Not up to giving yourself a pep talk? Have one of your team members become your official pep talker. Then call that person when you need a lift and a few pearls of wisdom.
6. The next item on our list labeling your anxiety. Ask yourself what you're feeling anxious about? Is it that you're away from your kiddos and you miss them? or are you worried about a big meeting at work that's been scheduled during your vacation time? Whatever is concerning you, label it and then answer it. For instance, I'm anxious about an important meeting that I'm going to miss. My coworkers get worried about meetings they'll miss, too. We all worry about things like that. It's no big deal.
7. If you know something specific is going to cause you worry, ask for updates. Away from the kids? Ask the sitter or your spouse to email you updates and photos. Stressed about the meeting you're missing? Ask your coworker to take notes for you and to call or email with updates. and, finally,
8. Always remember that you're not alone. Everyone gets anxious from time to time. Some of us are just more prone to worry. We're the "worry warts" of the world. When I get stressed, I tell myself, "Irwin, you're a worry wart." And then I laugh because I am actually a Wart that's worried! It can be comforting to know that everyone worries. It's just that some of us do it more than others.
Life is stressful. Responsibilities can be worrisome. But there's no need to fall into the Chicken Little syndrome, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" The sky has yet to fall and every day we get up and do our best. that's all any of us can do...frog or human. So be gentle with yourself and try these eight simple tips. See if you don't get a little immediate and much-needed relief.
I'll be away from my desk for the next couple of days...the frog could use a little time off. But, dear readers, never fear! I'll be right back to blogging on Thursday. For those of you in the USA, I wish you a happy and sage 4th of July. See y'all back here on Thursday! I have a special blog planned all about our friends the honey bees. Time for me to "hop" off. Until then, PEACE.
1. If you're the anxious type, structure can be your best friend. Making up a daily to-do list helps to keep you on track and helps to make you feel more in control. But most importantly, lists help to keep you focused on the here and now. You're mind can't as easily float away if you know that you have a phone call to make, errands to run or a meeting to attend.
2. Having a team to back you up can be helpful. too. This team can be made up of family, friends, coworkers, and even paid professionals. It's just a group of folks, your own personal team, who can help you "settle down" when you become too anxious and get distracted. Knowing that you have a few people you can call and talk to when life starts feeling overwhelming, can be very comforting. Feeling alone can make you feel more anxious. It's nice to be able to talk things over with someone who understands you and your life; to get their "take" on things.
3. If your environment is out of control, you feel out of control. making sure that your home and office space is organized and neat is a great way to feel more in control of your life. When your surroundings are chaotic, it's easy to feel chaotic yourself. There's no need to become a neat-freak, however. Allow yourself a few minutes in the morning and in the evening to clear away the clutter and do some light cleaning. I always feel better and work better when my own lily pad is organized and I know where everything is. Not having to waste time hunting for your shoes, a pen that actually writes, or the bills that need paying is a priceless gift you can give yourself.
4. Alone time is important for your own well-being and self-care. it's not selfish and can play a key role in calming your nerves. Whether is going for a relaxing massage, taking a walk in nature, or having a cup of coffee with a friend...like someone on your team...private time away from stress and worry helps each of us to recharge our batteries.
5. When I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, I like to give myself a pep talk. By giving myself a few words of encouragement, I know that I can face whatever challenges are coming my way. Not up to giving yourself a pep talk? Have one of your team members become your official pep talker. Then call that person when you need a lift and a few pearls of wisdom.
6. The next item on our list labeling your anxiety. Ask yourself what you're feeling anxious about? Is it that you're away from your kiddos and you miss them? or are you worried about a big meeting at work that's been scheduled during your vacation time? Whatever is concerning you, label it and then answer it. For instance, I'm anxious about an important meeting that I'm going to miss. My coworkers get worried about meetings they'll miss, too. We all worry about things like that. It's no big deal.
7. If you know something specific is going to cause you worry, ask for updates. Away from the kids? Ask the sitter or your spouse to email you updates and photos. Stressed about the meeting you're missing? Ask your coworker to take notes for you and to call or email with updates. and, finally,
8. Always remember that you're not alone. Everyone gets anxious from time to time. Some of us are just more prone to worry. We're the "worry warts" of the world. When I get stressed, I tell myself, "Irwin, you're a worry wart." And then I laugh because I am actually a Wart that's worried! It can be comforting to know that everyone worries. It's just that some of us do it more than others.
Life is stressful. Responsibilities can be worrisome. But there's no need to fall into the Chicken Little syndrome, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" The sky has yet to fall and every day we get up and do our best. that's all any of us can do...frog or human. So be gentle with yourself and try these eight simple tips. See if you don't get a little immediate and much-needed relief.
I'll be away from my desk for the next couple of days...the frog could use a little time off. But, dear readers, never fear! I'll be right back to blogging on Thursday. For those of you in the USA, I wish you a happy and sage 4th of July. See y'all back here on Thursday! I have a special blog planned all about our friends the honey bees. Time for me to "hop" off. Until then, PEACE.
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