by Dr. Christine Li
This blog post is crafted with love to help you stress less, break free from stressful habits, and cope with challenging situations by developing new coping mechanisms. These strategies will help you day to day, even when there is no stress around. Today, we’ll explore using gratitude, starting each day with a calm mind, avoiding emotional overload, and steps to steer clear of catastrophic thinking and other stressful habits. Plus, I’ll share stories from my recent trip to Pittsburgh, all aimed at helping you realize that you can choose to get off the stress train whenever you decide.
Morning Self-Care: Start Your Day Calm and Centered
One key strategy to break free from stressful habits is to touch base with yourself every morning. Whether you're traveling, dealing with a busy schedule, or simply enjoying run-of-the-mill activities, it's vital to set yourself up for calmness first thing in the morning. Take a few moments to prepare your mind and mood, envision how your day will go, and plan what you want to accomplish. This will help ensure your nervous system remains calm and ready to handle whatever the day brings.
Practicing Gratitude and Self-Assurance
Throughout your day, practice gratitude and self-assurance. Acknowledge every small step forward and celebrate your progress. For example, during my trip to Pittsburgh, my flight was delayed, and then canceled, leading to some frustration. However, I reminded myself to be grateful for safety and the opportunity to sleep in my own bed before trying again the next day. Practicing gratitude helped me stay calm and focused on the positive aspects of the situation.
Reframing Your Story
When facing stressful situations, learn to reframe your story. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim of circumstances, view the situation as something that is happening alongside you, not against you. This perspective can help reduce feelings of vulnerability and frustration. For instance, during my delayed flight experience, I chose to see it as an opportunity to remain calm and appreciate the safety measures in place rather than focusing on the inconvenience.
Handling Tasks Pragmatically
To manage stress effectively, handle tasks without expending all your emotional energy at once. Whether it's decluttering your workspace or tackling a challenging project, approach it pragmatically. Decide on an action step and set a specific time to do it. This method will keep you free of stressful habits and ensures you make steady progress without added drama.
Seeking Help When Engaging in Stressful Habits
In our culture, there's often an emphasis on doing things independently. However, recognizing when you need help and asking for it can be a wise and healthy way to cope with stress. If you find yourself overwhelmed, reach out to others for support. Whether it's friends, family, or professionals, getting help can make a significant difference in managing stress and achieving your goals.
Avoiding Stuck Language
Finally, avoid using “stuck” language, such as “hard,” “impossible,” or “can't.” These words can trigger inaction and reinforce negative beliefs. Instead, clear your vocabulary of limiting language and focus on positive, action-oriented words. This shift will help create a clear runway for your success goals, allowing you to move forward with confidence and ease.
Bonus Tip: Define Your Core Wish
As a bonus tip, define your core wish for any stressful situation. Imagine how you want things to look and feel if everything became peaceful and calm. Visualize the outcome you want to foster and take steps towards making it happen. Remember, you are the main actor in your life and have the power to shape your experiences.
To help you remember these tips, I've created a free download summarizing this blog post. You can get it at maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/stressless. I look forward to sharing more strategies with you in upcoming posts. Until then, stay calm and make time for success!
