The biggest mistake you make about your stress

Are you ever stressed out?  If so, you’re not alone… believe me, you’re in good {stressed out} company.  That’s why I want to be sure you know the biggest mistake you make about your stress.  A lot of people make this same mistake.

Even though there’s an epidemic level of stress in the world today, you don’t have to remain that way.  You can live a lower stress life.

Here’s how:

Once you better understand your stress, you’ll have a good idea of what you need to do differently.  If you’re not sure how to better understand your stress, I gave seven key questions to ask in this blog. 

I want to remind you about why it’s so important to understand your sources of stress.  YOUR stress is different than MY stress.  Even if we have the same source, for example an identical health concern, our thinking about that health concern is unique to each of us.  There really is little to compare other than the source of stress itself.

There are things you can add to your low-stress life arsenal, like my 3-5-7 meditation and breathing technique.  Taking specific action on a regular basis helps to maintain a low-stress life.  

However, you also have to do something differently.

Einstein once explained, ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’

The biggest mistake people make when it comes to their stress level is that they never start to do something differently.

Let’s take this example – let’s say a big source of stress in your life is that you’re always so exhausted.  You drag yourself from bed, fill yourself with caffeine throughout the day, feel frustrated with your lack of focus, productivity and clear thinking because you just can’t keep up with your responsibilities, and you’re sick of feeling a drain of energy throughout each day.  

Okay, so you’re really exhausted all the time and that’s stressful.. Makes total sense.

Have you tried these yet?

→ Getting to bed an hour earlier each night?

→ Committing to a sleep routine seven days a week?  (often suggested for sleep issues)

→ Been evaluated for an sleep related condition you might have?

→ Tried given up caffeine – often the culprit of slumping energy – and tried more natural ways of holding energy (i.e. more sleep)?

It is not enough to add stress reducing practices (i.e. meditation, breath work), you must also change the behavior that’s contributing to your stress.  

I realize you don’t have influence or control over everything such as your boss adding to your work pile at 4:30pm on a Friday, but what you can influence… DO!

Cheers to less stress & more calm,
Shannon

P.S.  Next week I’ll share with you the most important thing you need to do to keep stress low.

P.S.S.  If you live in West Michigan, and your job is stressing you out – get in touch with me.  I’ll explain how my Stress Reduction Training for Corporation works (it’s unique), and why it’s so effective (it really is!).  I’d love to help you and your co-workers feel less stress at work and at home!