HANDLING EVERY DAY STRESSES/ANXIETY

By Kermit F. Klaerner

          With the rush of Christmas, a friend in the hospital, a fender-bender accident, a business (or two) to run, and an employee out because of illness in the family, I recently was made acutely aware of the real meaning of every-day stress.  I am just glad that this many problems at one time are not an every day occurrence in most persons lives.  However, when stress factors do enter our lives, we must be ready to address them and conquer them before they conquer us.

          Following is an article entitled Managing Your Every Day Stresses and Anxieties by Stan Popovich as it appeared in The Texas Network, the newsletter by and for Texas mental health consumers:

          Everybody deals with fear and anxiety; however, sometimes our anxieties can get the best of us.  As a result, here is a list of techniques that persons can use to help manage daily stresses and anxieties.

          Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens at once.  When this happens, persons should take a deep breathe and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off the problem.  Persons could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

          Another technique that is very helpful is to have small notebooks of positive statements that make us feel good.  Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down so you can carry it with you.  Whenever you feel anxious, open up your notebook and read the statements.

          In dealing with your anxieties, learn to take one at a time.  While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that can not be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation.  We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but that extra one percent can make a world of difference.

          Sometimes, we can get depressed over a stressful situation.  When this happens, one should take a few minutes to write down all of the things one is thankful for in life.  This list could include past accomplishments and all the things that one normally takes for granted.  The next time you feel depressed, review your list and think about the good things that have happened in your life.

          When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time.  Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable, give you a sense of accomplishment, and increase your chances of success.

          Popovich states:  “As a Layman, I know that our anxieties and stresses can be difficult to manage; however, there are many helpful resources available to us.  It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is possible to find those answers in managing your anxieties.”

          Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods—an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties.  For free information on managing fear, please go to:  http://www.managingfear.com.

          This is not an endorsement of either Popovich’s book or the mentioned website, but is merely an effort to direct individuals to available resources.

Kermit F. Klaerner is the director of the Mental Health Association in Abilene.  Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com.  Need help?  Call the Hope Line (325) 677-7773.