Six Steps to Eliminating Stress

Thirty-six percent of employees report feeling stressed out during a typical workday, according to the American Psychological Association.

Anxiety psychologist Dr. Tamar Chansky says stress comes from overestimating the effort in a situation while underestimating ability to cope.

She offers six steps to help eliminate stress.

Use your brain’s caller ID. We usually think the worst first. Is your brain’s Disaster Guy calling the shots? “Get a second opinion. Call on your voice of reason for a better perspective,” says Chansky.

Fire the perfectionist. “If you can”t be nice to yourself and give yourself credit for what you’re doing, then it’s probably not a good time to talk with yourself,” she advises.

Control what you can. Women tend to be caretakers and people-pleasers. That’s good, unless it spins out of control. “Draw a pie chart with the things and people that you can control, and what isn’t up to you,” suggests Chansky.

Remember the learning curve. New circumstances and demands are stressful. “Just because you don’t understand it now doesn’t mean it’ll always be this way,” she reminds us. “Trust that you’ll adjust.”

Change the question. Replace questions like, “What’s the worst that can happen?” with, “What do I believe will actually happen?” The truth’s answer might be less interesting than worry’s response, but this time a boring ending is welcome.

Do the red pen edit. Reality-check your thoughts. “I have no idea how to do this” becomes “Right now I’m not sure.” You’ll feel better when you edit out worry’s distortions for the truth.

Bonus PINK Link: A Business Case for Rest.

How do you eliminate stress from your life?

By Sarah Grace Alexander

“Saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to things and people that stress you out.” Thema Davis