Step Back from Stress

A well-planned vacation, if all goes smoothly, is likely to provide welcome relief from the daily deluge of stress life so often throws our way. But in truth, when we remove ourselves physically from a stressful situation at home, nothing objectively changes except for the fact that we are in a new environment; perhaps more important is the change in our outlook or attitude, as we relax, allowing ourselves to be distracted from our problems! Mentally, we are "stepping back" or letting go of our concerns and preoccupations; we are actually giving ourselves "permission"to have fun! What would happen if we also consciously cultivated this mental aspect of “vacationing” from our stressors without even leaving our homes or, for that matter, even moving our bodies? We would certainly save money, but more importantly, we would most likely experience greater peace in the face of the daily “roller coaster” of life’s events. Surprises, whether pleasant or painful, are part of life, but choosing to have a more peaceful, balanced experience lies to some degree within our own control. Leaving ourselves completely vulnerable in the face of life’s roller coaster of forever-changing experiences is partly our own choice.

Step Back , Let Go

Your problems are guaranteed to be there when you return! I promise! This is guaranteed

Taking a break can allow you to have a different perspective when you get back to dealing with the issues at hand. Cultivate the skill of stepping away from rumination, anxiety and fear. Stepping away or letting go involves

Worry Time. Just as you schedule break time, Schedule 1-2 periods a day for diving into the worries at hand. The rest of the day is for living your actual life, right here, right now. When you find yourself drawn back into thinking about current problems, you can remind yourself, “Not now; I’ll get to that at my 4:00 PM worry session!”

It is what it is! Accepting the reality of a situation, especially one involving a dramatic or sudden change or loss, is a difficult challenge."Wishing and thinking and hoping and praying," the first words of a Burt Bachrach song. won’t change what actually is the reality of the situation in this moment. Option A is gone; I must embrace Option B Assess the situation realistically. However, we can work with our own experience of this reality.

"How serious is this really?" "Am I dying today? " In this moment, if I let go of my focus on this one issue, has anything in my reality actually changed, or is the intensity of my emotions based on the internal pressure I’m feeling about the situation ?

Assess the situation. Examine your “interpretation” of the issue closely. Am I making assumptions or predictions of doom that may not necessarily play out exactly as I’m imagining? Even if things do play out that way, is it possible I will make it through more intact or less negatively impacted than I am imagining? How much of my “stress” is self-imposed by assuming the worst and adding layers of fear and anxiety to the actual reality of the situation?

Cherish your gifts. “Good things” can be as simple as appreciating the beauty of a sunny, warm day, or time spent with loved ones. We often take for granted so many positives in our lives; cultivating a practice of reminding ourselves of the good things, rather than developing a habit of focusing our thoughts so heavily on our anxieties and fears can change our experience significantly.

Recognizing Growth opportunities. Sure, I'd rather not be in this situation, but since I am, is it possible I may grow from my present challenges in any way? Can I see possible gains to be made from facing my current challenges? Sometimes our most difficult experiences create the most growth, wisdom and ultimate positive personal change; thus the adage, “No pain, no gain.” Of course, we would never choose to put ourselves through difficulties, but when they do happen, it may not be “all bad.”

Perhaps I’m beginning to see my priorities more clearly as a result of this stressful situation or event. Perhaps in rising to this challenge, I’m developing new skills that will be beneficial in the long run. Perhaps my difficulties will help me to be more empathic and understanding when others are suffering. There is a list of possible benefits if I am willing to consider this possibility.