Day #36- Reduce Stress

Three steps to reduce stress:

1. Solve the Problem (Use the Seven Question Technique)
2. Relax (Use guided imagery, meditation, do something enjoyable)
3. Change your mindset. Don't think things like...

• I should always do my best
• I should always prevent problems from happening
• I shouldn't rely on others
• I always make other people happy
• I shouldn't show weakness
• I should put other people first
• I shouldn't let anyone else do important things, because they might do them wrong

Relax my self-imposed "rules" that are similar to those above.

• Think of someone with more relaxed standards. What rules do they go by?
• Would I really want the people I love to have to live by my rules for myself?
  
• What are the advantages of changing these rules?
• Take the words always and never out of my rules.
• Insert the word reasonable instead.

Relax rules for other people.

• Other people can't always be perfect.
• Other people can't read my mind.
• Other people can't always be grateful or recognize what I do.
• Other people can't always make me happy, and they might make me sad sometimes.
• Other people can't always treat me fairly.
• Other people can't always understand me.
• Other people can't always see things my way.
• Other people don't always value the same things I do.
  

To relax my rules for other people:

• I don't have control over other people.
• Take the words always and never out of my rules
• Be realistic in my expectations of other people

CREDIT: I ate a healthy breakfast this morning.