Release the Pressure
Release the Pressure

 

Pressure is All Around Us

Pressure comes to all of us in many different ways. For me, pressure often comes, mysetriously, with the things I enjoy… but, in excess. For instance, I enjoy writing. I enjoy helping others.

But when my space begins to feel crowded or crammed with too many deadlines, too much micromanagement, too many places to be, it disturbs my spirit. And, the spirit I think we would all like to maintain is one of peace, as much as possible.

What do I do when I feel this internal un-ease?

First, I check my internal guide. I check in with my mind. Am I adding to the process, helping the process, or am I struggling to reach that unattainable goal of perfection. (see Gilding the Lily).

Second, I check in with my spirit. Is this activity bringing me joy? Now, let’s be reasonable, every activity will supply us with joy, but they should also not feel like crushing or guilt-ridden obligations, all the time. Perhaps this is where we need to throw in a few more “No” answers, to the proverbial question, “Can you help/ fix/ do this?” ( see Say, “No,” so that You can say, “Yes” to Opportunities)

Third, I check in with my heart, my motives. Why am I doing this? What is the final goal?

Now, if I have no joy, and my motives are in good shape, then something else has to give way. I ask myself;

  • “How can I change things?”
  • “Can I change how I am doing something?”
  • Or, and here’s the big question, “Do I need to change me?”

Release Valves: Me

When life becomes a burden for me, I usually turn to writing, reading, drawing, a walk in nature, or a conversation with a friend who always makes me laugh. Then:

Take a breather.

Take a new look at the situation.

Take the next step.

What about You?

What is your go-to method for relieving stress?

Share. We do best when we learn from and with each other

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