Summer can be a time of great fun, but because our routines are often times disrupted by change in schedule (kids out of school, travel plans, vacations or family visits), it can also be a time of great stress.
But if we think about stress as what it really is…fear…then we can find ways to prevent or conquer that fear. Here are three things to consider when you want to prevent the fear/stress in your life.
#1: Can’t Stop the Feeling?
Stress is just an effect that is caused by the action of others or by our reaction to others. Most often it involves a certain situation that hasn’t happened yet or that we fear will happen. We worry and stress about the future and, ultimately, our stress is often about something for which we have no control.
Remember that the situation itself is not what is causing your stress. YOUR feelings about the situation are the cause of the stress.
So, knowing this is the case…do you see how YOU actually do have control of your stress?
Situation or action of others = no control
Worry/Fear/Stress over situation or action of others = all the control
Take minute and really let this sink in.
#2: Let’s Time Travel
Often times, stress is provoked by a looming deadline or something we call scarcity mentality. Simply put, this means we think we don’t enough time.
This could be a looming deadline with work or a due date for a bill or even an upcoming event that has us flustered.
But, if we expand our deadline, ask for more time, or prepare earlier, we can stop that time crunch dead in its tracks.
What could you do to put more time between you and your stressful situation? Could you ask for an extension? Could you look ahead and begin your preparations in advance? Could you ask someone else to take on the responsibility for you?
Putting time and space between you and the stressful even can often be the cure you’re looking for.
#3: Just Say No!
It’s okay to say no. What? Yep, you heard me right. It is okay to say no. It doesn’t make you a bad parent. It doesn’t make you a bad person. It doesn’t make you mean.
These days we overcommit to just about everything. To work, to home, to activities, to volunteering, and on and on. Sometimes, the stress and overwhelm is caused by the fact that we just give and give of ourselves until there is nothing left to give. We feel depleted, tired, and stressed.
So, remember that it is okay to say no. You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to be everywhere or be perfect all the time. Trust me. Saying no sometimes is the absolute right answer.
These are just 3 ways to put a different spin on stress. Sometimes it is not about coping with stress, it is about preventing it in the first place.
Just imagine that…a life with less stress. Now, that’s a sweet summer plan, right?
xoxo,
