Recognizing the Signs

I've learned to recognize the signs indicating an accumulation of stress, anxiety and work overload. Firstly my inner squirrel threatens to run around in circles and then my imagination becomes overactive and not in a good way. I find myself thinking and worrying about crazy scenarios that don't exist.

So what do I do? Firstly I calm the squirrel by focusing on one thing at a time. I don't let him loose and when he does get away, I bring him back in. I am learning to prioritize and make lists so that nothing gets forgotten, except when I forget to add something to the list. Oops! It's a work in progress. I am also starting to do more meal planning and prep to help during those crazy days as well. Doing this also helps reduce some worry and stress. Sometimes in the moment I just have to say to myself:  "It's okay, you can do this!"

When it comes to my overactive imagination, I recognize the negative places my mind is taking me and I just say to myself "thinking!" There are times when I need to use the word more than once when my imagination is especially persistent. I learned the power of this simple word from a book I had read many years ago and it does help. When a persons mind takes them in a negative direction, using the word "thinking" acts as a positive stop and a redirection.

We don't have control over everything, but we do have control over more than we realize. Recognizing when to step back, when to say no and when it makes sense to add extras in. It is all about learning what makes sense for you and those around you. It's about progressing wisely and making smart choices! 

Namaste,

Michele Ward