<![CDATA[Unwrapping Stress

Whenever someone asks me about what I do for a living, and I tell them that I teach Stress Management, the conversation usually continues with; "Oh boy, my wife/husband/friend/boss, etc. could really use your help. Hey, give me your card so I can tell them to see you!"
Maybe their intention is to be helpful, but unless an individual is open to making some changes in their life, that method isn't successful in altering the level of stress in their life.
It takes the "stressed-out" individual's own decision or motivation, to seek assistance and to make a change.
With that in mind, if the "stressed-out" person is you, the following questions need to be answered to determine the outcome towards success in changing your stress.

1) Do you want the level of stress to change in your life?
2) Are you willing to make necessary changes to lessen the influence of stress in your life?

Regarding the first question, the answer may seem obvious. "Why yes, of course, I want my stress level to be lower!"
However, for stress to decrease, one has to be open to at least some change either personally or situationally to occur.
That brings us to the second question; your willingness to change.

Whenever one hears the word "change" the negativity radar is activated.
You may think the following thoughts:

"I'm not going to like the changes I will have to make."
"It will be difficult to change."
"I won't have either the time, the patience, or the strength to change."
"The changes feel strange, and I don't completely understand them."
"I'm not sure if theses changes are enough to help me with the level of stress I have in my life."

The preceding reactions are normal in the process of moving through and altering the level of stress in your life; especially when using Stress Management techniques.
Some points to keep in mind if you decide to make a change to decrease stress and its side effects in your life:

Don't be intimidated by the (inner) resistance of your thoughts and reactions as you move away from the old way of responding to the stressors in your life.
Don't be intimidated by the (outer) resistance of others thoughts and reactions as you move away from the old way of responding to the stressors in your life.
Be determined to move forward one small step at a time, one moment at a time; rather than intimidated by the task of changing your reactions to stress.
As you move forward, give yourself credit for your efforts without judging yourself in the process towards progress.
Be open to positive possibilities, for example; perceiving that you're going to be ok; things are going to work out; looking at the "bigger picture"; viewing the situation as either a challenge or an opportunity.
Be aware that the "pull" towards negativity and resistance may feel normal; however Stress Management techniques such as; Grounding, Focusing on the Breath, and Being Aware of Stressful Thought Patterns can help you break old patterns and create new ways to respond differently towards your stress situation.

Stress Management techniques can guide you towards success in changing your STRESS
if you are willing to be brave and open to CHANGE.