Tips for Reducing Stress – #1

As we continue to move through the “new” economy, it’s very clear (as many are saying) that a new normal is developing. That means that ongoing change is probably a given for many.

Change for many can be a great source of stress, even positive change can create “negative” stress. As a coach, I work with helping navigate stress in constructive, advantageous ways.  My attitude, “Don’t just survive change, but thrive on change.”

So I’ll be periodically posting stress management techniques and strategies I share with my clients. Please pass these on to those you care about.  I’m going to guess we could all use a little stress relief from time to time.

Stress Management Tip #1: Write A Gratitude List (this is my favorite)…
When you’re feeling stress, when possible stop and take a moment and begin to recount the things that you are grateful for. In fact challenge yourself to a considerably long list.

The great thing about this list…you can do this anywhere. You’ll get the maximum effect of this power tip if you’re writing down what you’re recounting. However, I’ve this is standing in line, in the bathroom, while driving.

Once it was late winter in Detroit and due to a flight delay ended up waiting for a rental car in the snow, knowing I had to drive 2 1/2hours to another town. I challenged myself to 100…by number 25, my mood had changed. Alright I had to start again while driving in the know to my next location.

Here’s a twist on the above tip:
I think there are things on a list or a similar list call  The Little Things I’m Grateful For…this is really a cool because it makes this list much more personal. I bet if I asked 10 people what’s on their gratitude list they would all say, health, family..etc…and rightly so. Now ask someone what’s on their Little Things list…and variety would abound.

Here’s a few of mine:
A garage…I finally have a garage for my car…even though I moved from Chicago to Georgia.

A neighbor that’s aware. Newly moved in, I wasn’t in the habit of pulling in my garbage can. One day I came home to find it pulled up against my garage and my drive is not that short. How thoughtful and watchful. As someone who travels alot, that’s comforting.

Free food…my sister owns a very successful restaurant in the area where I live. When I don’t feel like cooking, which admittedly is often, I can always swing over there for a free awesome meal! (See what I mean by personalized?…it’s the little things.)

Tip: Make your “little things” list….have fun with it….and challenge your friends to do the same!

To your happiness!  JoAnn