A good way to lower your stress is by writing. I’m not talking about writing a book, an article, a blog, or even a complete sentence. This writing is not for the public. It’s just for you.
You can use any method you like. You can write on paper, in the sand, or electronically. If you use an electronic method, I suggest doing this in a document and not an email. I’ve read of cases where somebody has angrily vented and clicked “send” accidentally. That can have disastrous consequences.
So what should you write about?
Write about the thing that is causing you stress. It can help to get it off your chest and out of you mind.
Benefits of making the issue visible
It makes it easier to face. Solutions or options available for you may appear unexpectedly.
A fear that is faced is often not as scary as you once thought. Fear, like a bully, will retreat when faced directly and action is taken.
It helps to identify exactly what the issue is that is causing you stress. It’s hard to win a battle against an unknown opponent.
There may be some things that you may not be able to say out loud to the person involved (such as a boss or family member), and some things you may not be able to take the action on right away. But understanding the situation and your feelings will help with your stress. If you can’t change the situation, you can change your attitude about it.
OK, I did it. Now what do I do with it?
You did this for yourself, so do what you want with it. If it was on paper, you may enjoy ripping it up, shredding, or burning it. If it was electronically, you can delete it or erase it word by word, letter by letter. It may help you to see what you have written about your stress disappear.
You can also save what you have written. Looking back on them later, you can see how you have grown and the methods you used to overcome the obstacles you faced. You can remember how you faced down your fear and that you are stronger now, which can give you confidence to take on other fears or issues.
Decide not to let stress take your happiness or peace of mind from you.
Barry is a licensed Massage Therapist at Main Street Massage in Hudson, Ohio. Find out more about him, his business, and massage at www.HudsonMassageTherapy.com
