Lower Stress By Increasing Attitude

Lower Stress By Increasing Attitude

STRESS.  How do you deal with it?  It's something that effects all of us in different ways.  Some of us let more bother us than others.  And regardless of how much we let in, some let more show externally (i.e. wearing your emotions on your sleeve.)  Most importantly, it's how you handle stress internally that will have an effect on your well being.

So much happens or happens to us during the course of any given day.  It's not what happens to us that is as important as how we react to what happens to us.  And what drives our reactions or behaviors?  It's our thoughts or attitudes toward that particular stimulus.

First we have a stimulus.  We are conditioned to think in a certain way regarding that stimulus and our behaviors reflect those thoughts.

A key question is: "Are you getting the outcome that you want in terms of your emotional well being?"  Stress can have many negative effects on us, especially physically and emotionally. 

Think about how you react when you are driving and somebody cuts you off.  What do you do?  How about when your kids are acting "particularly independent"?  Or when a customer or co-worker is rude or difficult to deal with?

These can all be difficult and stressful situations to deal with.  We may have always allowed them to bother us.  But remember, our thoughts are the one thing in this world that we have complete control over.  And since our thoughts and attitudes lead to our behaviors or responses to stimuli which lead to our outcomes, then we are in complete control of how we respond to any situation.

Someone cut you off?  Change your attitude to: you don't know what's happening in their life.  Be glad you are safe and wish them the best.  

Dealing with a rude customer?  Change your attitude to: they may be having a bad day and you are not going to let it affect your day.

Kids tough to deal with?  They are just doing their job.  Change your attitude to: this doesn't bother me (as hard as that may be.)  In each of these cases, can you imagine how you would feel if those were your attitudes?  These are perfect examples of how changing your attitudes can change your stress level.

Here are some action steps that you can take immediately to change your attitudes and change your stress level:

1) Determine where stress in your life is coming from

2) Reflect and write down what your thoughts are (they lead to your behavior)

3) Decide how you want your reactions or behavior to be different

Your stress level and your ability to manage your level of stress will determine how well you interact with everyone around you.  Remember, you always have a choice as to how you react to any situation.  Be 100% in control and take charge of your well being!