Here are some tips for dealing with stressful situations. As someone who used these strategies to survive the workday, trust me… they work!
1. Ask friends to check on you. Letting friends know you may need encouragement, or just someone to listen, they can provide much needed support to ground you. For example, a friend emailed me this morning and it was perfect for gaining some perspective:
I am praying for you – try to focus on the things you have accomplished and know that this job is not who you are – it is a place where you have to spend 8 hours a day in order to pay the bills.
2. Choose a memory verse or other affirmation to on which to meditate. Need some suggestions? Try this:
Where is God?
Google words like "affirmations, dealing with pain" filling in your specific need, whether it be financial, marital, social, emotional, etc.
3. Fill your life with other activities/outlets. As tempting as it is to come home from work and go straight to vegging in front of the TV, avoiding all social contact, the isolation only brings my job issues to the front burner. However, when I hang out with friends, participate in church activities, write and socialize online, the job issues are at least tolerable.
4. Love a pet or two… animals are so loving and unconditional… research has proven the numerous benefits animals have on people's lives.
5. Put the stressor(s) in perspective. In the grand scheme of life, does it really matter if Joe does not think you are a hard worker? Do you really need your boss to understand your hidden disability? Will any of this be pertinent in 2 years?
6. Be proactive. Do something each day to change your situation, making today a little better than yesterday. Exercise 5 more minutes, don't take a phone call from an abusive ex-boyfriend, write one more page in the novel you're hoping to publish.
Life is too short to be miserable.
You are what your deep driving desire is; As your deep driving desire is, so is your will; As your will is so is your deed; As your deed is so is your destiny. —The Upanishads
