What Stresses You Out? Make a List and Change Your Life

By: Tuppy Glossop

Stress is overwhelming, all absorbing. Part of its terrible power is the feeling you get of losing control, of life washing over you without your input. Before you can address the things that are bothering you, you need to get a handle on them. The most effective tools you have are not drugs, or a therapist, or a padded room in a fancy treatment center -- the most effective tools are a pencil and paper.

Clear your schedule, find a quiet space with minimal distractions, and write down everything that's bothering you. Everything. From global warming to the bathroom sink that needs cleaning. Yes, everything. You're going to need several sheets of paper, trust me. When you have finished, take a break; you'll need one.

Read through what you have written. You're likely to see some patterns emerging, types of problems that stem from similar sources or that involve similar situations. Now you are going to start making lists that will help you identify and control the sources of stress in your life.

List all the people who make you anxious -- include friends, colleagues, family members, and anyone else who makes your life frustrating. In each case, think how you can either improve that relationship or, if necessary, bring it to an end. Obviously, there is a huge difference between switching coffee shops to avoid the snotty barista, and withdrawing from a relationship with a loved one. This is not a time to make hasty and consequential decisions, particularly while stress is making you feel emotionally vulnerable. But a list of this sort may help you identify relationships that would be better abandoned in the long term if your health is suffering.

Make another list of sources of stress that don't involve other people, but are instead things in your life you can change on your own. Are you keeping yourself healthy? Perhaps you want to begin exercising regularly, or would like to improve your diet? Is it time to look for a new job, either in your field or perhaps in a different area entirely? Some stress relief may come from simply taking actions that you have been considering for a long time.

Your final list will take a different approach. Despite your stress, despite your anxiety, despite feeling overwhelmed right now -- what are the things that make you feel good? What do you enjoy doing, what puts a smile on your face? Make a list of activities that you enjoy; perhaps you like to watch old movies, or to cook for friends, or ride a bike. List all these things, and make plans to do at least one of them this week, and every week from now on.

Now that your lists are complete, refer back to them regularly. Every week or so, scan through them and give yourself a check-up -- are you taking action to control the things, situations, and people that stress you out? And are you replacing those negative influences with positive and fun influences instead? You're beginning to change your life for the better, and that's an ongoing process. The lists are your guidebook, but it's up to you to make the journey.

Article Source: http://www.myhotarticles.com

If you would like some help making a list of great stress relief tips, visit www.BeyondStressed.com, a great resource for rebuilding your life.

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