Stress is really nothing more than fear. Sometimes you’re afraid of what’s coming; sometimes you’re afraid because you don’t know what’s coming. But no matter what the circumstances, you can always boil stress down to fear. There are numerous stressors, but the most common cause of stress is time constraints. So let’s look at some of the ways you can reduce the stress in your life just by organizing some stuff:
- Make a list of what stresses you; then decide what is and isn’t worth it; then change what you can change and develop work-arounds for what you can’t change.
- Use a wall calendar and a pocket datebook. (The operative word is use.
- Balance your scheduled activities: work/play; groups/personal; family/couple.
- Use your head! Think about what you’re going to do or how to do something.
- Don’t buy stuff that isn’t easy to take care of.
- Simplify your eating and cooking habits.
- Plan your day the night before: clothes, breakfast foods, lunches, money, dry cleaning, homework, etc.
- Simplify your schedule: don’t go places you don’t want to go!
- Unclutter! Throw it out or give it away.
- Make lists!
- Make more lists!
- Keep home and job separate. Spend quality time in both places.
These are just a few of the good ideas that will help take the stress out of your life…no matter where that stress comes from.
