Most of us believe that stress is created by negative outside



stimuli, when in fact just the opposite is true. Stress is

brought on by how we think about the forces we perceive to be

acting upon our lives.

For example, if you are thinking "I'll never get this report finished

in time for the deadline," "This job demands an ungodly amount

of my time...", it becomes easy to believe that if we can just

complete our "to-do" list then the stress will be eliminated. Not

true. Stress will always return as soon as the "to-do" list gets full

because of the way we think about what we have "to-do."

Stress is always generated by our thinking and not by external

circumstances. It is actually a state of mind that we control. In

order to de-stress one must learn to think differently. You see,

as stressful thoughts escalate then the entire stressful cycle

escalates also.

As stressful thoughts are allowed to linger in our minds our

moods are affected. It stands to reason, then, if we learn to

change our thinking we can change our moods.

How do we do this? First we need to understand the cycle of

stress. If we think angry thoughts we are going to feel anger. If

we think sad thoughts we feel sad. Emotional states of mind will

always follow our thought patterns.

Learn to pay careful attention to how you are feeling thoughout

the day by pausing at differing intervals to see what you are

thinking.

Then learn to shift your thinking by countering stressful thinking

with positive thinking. Focus on one problem at a time util it is

resolved. If you shift your thinking your mood will follow.

Unfortunately, most of us believe that if we work harder or faster

we will get more done. What we need to do is learn to work

smarter.

Finally, take a "mini vacation" twice a day. Take 5 minutes at

mid-morning and mid-afternoon and intensely focus on one of

your most pleasant memories. See this memory in vivid detail.

Imagine yourself being there and truly re-live the pleasure. You'll

be surprised at how refreshing the experience will be.

Stress is a state of mind that is self-induced...a learned behavior

brought on by negative thinking. Therefore it can be unlearned

by practicing positive thinking and staying focused.