BE WELL
Simplify Your Life!
Renita C. Gabriel, Psy.D., contributing editor
Sadly, most of us can relate to feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Nearly 50% of people polled in a 2012 survey about stress indicated that stress had a negative impact on their personal and professional life. Over 70% of the people polled in the same survey indicated that they experienced physical or psychological symptoms associated with stress (http://www.statisticbrain.com/stress-statistics/). Considering these statistics, we as individuals should seriously assess the causes of stress in our lives and do our best to mitigate those stressors. One of the best ways to do that is to simplify your life! This statement is much more than a cliché I have found it to be a life changing mantra that I recite often.
Many of us over commit to various things and we end up stressing ourselves out in the process. Have you ever heard of the old adage “Jack of all trades but master of none?” A few years ago, I personally had to come to the realization that, “I can’t do it all...well.” Something had to give, I just had to choose what it would be. What would I prioritize in my life? I chose and continue to choose to commit to those things most fully. Outside of my priorities, I had to be realistic with myself about what I could commit to. I had to learn to say “no” outright, rather than “maybe” or “yes” and just not be able to deliver. Admittedly, I am still a work in progress in this endeavor, but I know what my stressors are and what stress does to me physically, emotionally and spiritually. That knowledge in and of itself is enough to deter me from allowing myself to experience the destructive impact that stress can have on my life. Where possible, I have alleviated unnecessary stressors from my life and I encourage you to do the same.
Consider the following T.I.P.:
Take time to prioritize the things in your life. Commit to those things.
Identify areas where you can cut back and learn to say “no.”
Pace yourself so that you can fulfill the obligations that you do have.
Disclaimer—Please note that the monthly “TIP” does not constitute a therapeutic relationship with the readership nor substitute for a professional consultation with a licensed mental health professional.