React or Act?

Major life changes at work, problems at home, finances, overstimulation can all pile up! Stress is inevitable, but negative thoughts don’t have to be. Unfortunately, there is no way to keep stressful events and situations from happening; too much of life is out of our control. However, how we react to these stresses is within our control. Excessive worrying, negative thoughts, unrealistic expectations, and pessimism can make stress even worse.

This is where making a choice comes in. So, how do you control your negative thoughts?

• Remember that mistakes are inevitable and without mistakes you never grow personally or professionally. No one is perfect and it is important to maintain confidence in stressful situations.
• Deal with what you can control. When you find yourself having negative thoughts, remind yourself that these thoughts will only get in your way. Let go of factors that are beyond your control and adapt to them.
• Have a positive outlook by maintaining a sense of humor and “rolling with the punches” of everyday life and work. Remember to take the changes in stride.

Although stress is bound to happen, we can self-soothe to avoid negative thoughts. These thoughts only keep us in a stressful state. Stress is inevitable, it does not have to be crippling.