Stress Management Journal: A Killer Stress Management Strategy!A stress management journal?
It's such a simple, yet effective stress management strategy. So, how does it work? Write out your stress problems in a journal. How should you write it down? Why? Most importantly, how will it relieve your stress? You've heard enough from me - are you ready to learn? Let's go! Stress Management Journal: Paper Is Magical! First of all, writing down your problem on paper is much easier than simply thinking about it. Why? You Understand It Better. Haven't you noticed that whenever you write something down, it becomes much more clear and concise? Why? You can actually see your problem. You see it written down, so you can analyze it better. If you don't write down your problem, it'll be all jumbled up in your mind. Your mind already has a sea of thoughts circulating throughout, so problem-solving becomes extremely inefficient if you don't write it down. By writing down on paper, you're also isolating the problem. Your mind can focus on one thing at a time. So, why else is a stress management journal helpful? Logic! Sound Familiar? When you write down your problem, you spend time thinking about it, right? Yep; and this is where logical and rational thinking come in handy. Hmm? Logical thinking helps you solve the problem in a more civilized manner. It helps you take the problem step-by-step in a smart and quick process. Still confused? Let me give you an example... An Arguing Couple... Let's say your spouse is giving you a hard time. He/she bought a snowmobile with your hard-earned money, and it's really stressing you out. You can be passive and not say anything. This never works; you're still stressed out! Or you can get angry and start yelling at him/her! This worsens the situation. Why? You scream, he/she screams, and it's a never-ending war! So, what should you do... Write down the problem on paper. By the time you write it down, you would have cooled down. So? This means you can come up with a smart and logical solution. Why? 1. The problem is written down 2. You are no longer angry 3. You have time to think logically So, what would be a "logical" solution? You can make an agreement with your spouse that each of you can only make a big purchase when both of you have agreed on it, regardless of who's money it is. Your spouse might not even agree with your solution, but at least you have something to work with! You might not come up with an answer on your first trial, but it'll give a good foundation. Sounds easy, right? But there's still one question left... How Do You Write A Stress Management Journal? Hmm...So how exactly should you write out your problems on paper? Easy. Use Feelings. Feelings are very strong... "I feel so stressed out" "I feel a little ______ today" What Is Stressing You Out? (or why are you stressing out) "_______ is really stressing me out" "I feel stressed out because..." What Do You Want To Do? "I want to ...." "I think if I _______, the stress will go away" Why Will Your Solution Work? "I think _______ will work because..." And finally, Finish Off On a Positive Note. "I will carry out this solution to the best of my ability" "I will not let myself stress over _______ anymore" Use these guidelines when writing in your stress management journal. Feel free to tweak these sentences according to your preference. Take-home Lesson? Great! You've learned how and why to use a stress management journal. What's next? Do it. Take action. The next time you feel stressed out, write it out. Use the tips. Be logical and smart. Don't let your emotions dictate your actions. I know I sound like a broken record but these tips work. As always, remember; feel free to use this website as your guide to becoming stress-free forever!
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