Stress  Management Information

Stress Management and Mastery: Watch Your Language


"Watch your language."

We all heard this admonition as kids and probably say it to our own kids as well.

Did you know that it is also a great stress mastering technique?

The words we use to make sense of both our day and the stress that confronts us make a huge difference in how well we handle our lives. Many times the words we use can make us feel even more stressed.

The funny thing is, it's usually just a very small distinction that can make all the difference. One of the best examples is what I call the "got to vs. get to" difference.

Saying "I've got to" is so prevalent in our language that most of us don't realize just how much and how often we say it.

Pay attention to how often you think and say, "got to." You'll notice that it makes you feel tighter, heavier and more rushed. Actual physiological responses in your body take place as your muscles tighten and your breathing becomes shallower.

Activities and tasks that are simply a part of life, or perhaps even a privilege, then become burdens to be carried and gotten through.

Instead of enjoying the day and the blessings that come with it, we focus on just getting through. Doesn't sound very compelling does it? Yet we do it all the time, every day.

Here's what I suggest you do. Over the next few days, watch your language. Pay attention to your language. Notice how often you think or say, "got to." I'm willing to bet you'll be surprised, and you'll begin to understand a part of why you feel so stressed.

Now that you're aware of how much you say "got to" and how much it effects you, here's what you can do about it.

Remember earlier I pointed out it was just a small distinction between "got to" and "get to"? Well, the distinction is small, but the difference is huge. You can look upon the same day, with the same tasks in it, and take a "get to" approach. You'll notice that you will feel lighter, less stressed, more motivated and more blessed.

Here's a recent example from my life. On a recent Thursday afternoon, I found myself in the middle of a "got to" binge. It was past the time I prefer to send in this column. We just got the news that my wife would require more surgery following her recent pregnancy. And I had a full load of clients to see that afternoon.

Here is one more suggestion - imagine what it would have been like to lay in bed this morning, thinking about all the "got to's" that were coming in your day. What does that feel like? Now, imagine the same scene, but focusing on all the many things that you "get to" do that day. Notice how different you feel? Which one do you like better?

It takes some practice, and with practice you can learn to avoid the "got to's" and focus on the "get to's" in your life. A small distinction, yes. And a huge difference.

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.


MORE RESOURCES:

ARISE Brings Critical Anger and Stress Management Training to ...
PR.com (press release), NY - 1 hour ago
This intense anger and stress management workshop prepares participants to deal with difficult populations. Troubled youth, held under lock and key behind ...


WCBD

Third South Carolina Trooper Accused of Ramming Suspect With ...
FOXNews - 11 hours ago
He was reprimanded and ordered to take a stress management course after the incident. Two other troopers caught on tape hitting suspects have faced felony ...
Third state trooper facing federal civil rights charge Greenville News
all 21 news articles


Yes You (and Your Child) Can Become Miracle Minded(TM) VIPs
MSNBC - 11 hours ago
Nes Gadol Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class (ages 11 and up), Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class (ages 13-up), and Autism 360(TM): Parent Stress Management and Support Group. ...


Principles and Practice of Stress Management (3rd edn)
British Journal of Psychiatry, UK - Dec 31, 2008
... mindfulness-based stress reduction, seem to provide the most solid research base for efficacy in stress management, as does exercise therapy. ...


Tips on stress management
Royal Gazette, Bermuda - Dec 31, 2008
By Alex Wright Stress management is one of the key components to having a healthy and effective workforce. That is according to Paul Loftus, ...


Posted by Admissions@MICA
PaGalGuY.com, India - Jan 6, 2009
The stress management session will cover such topics as understanding the Stress Process and will get the participants acquainted with medicational and ...


Area Digest: Jan. 7, 2009
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 18 hours ago
Topics will include memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, legal and financial issues, stress management, preventing falls, signs of stroke, diabetes, ...


Jesus on Stress Management
Christian Post - Dec 20, 2008
By Dale Fletcher, MS Life and stress… they go hand in hand. We will experience lots and lots of stress in our life. There is no getting around it. ...


Auto drivers get etiquette, stress management tips
Delhi Newsline, India - Dec 28, 2008
Over 200 of them attended sessions on safe driving, stress management and good behaviour. These sessions are being conducted zone-wise so that drivers are ...


Stress Management Tips – Effective Ways to Manage Stress
PWO, France - Dec 24, 2008
Here are a few stress management tips to help you overcome stress. Stress Management Tip # 1: Take a break. Yes, that’s right. ...

Stress-Management - Google News

home | site map
© 2006