Monday, March 14, 2011

When Life Gets Hectic

There are certain times when life get hectic. This can be at the start of a change in your life, such as the birth of a new baby, during the course of planning or hosting a big family or work event (wedding, reunion), the moving of your household or office, serious illness of a loved one,change of a job or new employment, an intentional or unintentional remodel of your home, shopping for a big ticket item such as a car, a school or college.

1. Cut out the Extra.
During these specific "hectic" times it helps to work on reducing existing commitments, cutting back on stressful activities and saying no to new options that don't fit in. You can help reduce your stress by being observant and selective in your activities and events.

2. Enlist Help
Don't go it alone if you don't have too. Look for help in a variety of areas. This can be from friends, family members or specific "field" professionals.

3. Make sure You have Some Fun.
One important item, often overlooked, is to add in some fun or pleasurable items daily to help reduce the added tension.

4. Take Care of You 
Getting enough sleep and eating healthy is also a big  must. Exercise is also important, especially if your hectic occasion changes your routine.

By being aware of these four items you can help reduce your stress and make this period of your life easier.

Do you have any other ideas?

1 comment:

Fred said...

Terry has great ideas here for handling life when it gets hectic. Two extra ideas that come to mind are 1)to practice some kind of centering activity such as meditation, outdoor walks, prayer, positive affirmations or Tai Chi; and 2) stay engaged in something. I find I am most miserable when I do not feel engaged, be it at work elsewhere. It's no longer fun. Being engaged and having fun synergistically work hand in hand together. In my opinion, you need one to have the other. Also, in school or college where you have electives you definitely need to drop a class if your life is getting too hectic. Or if you are start to fell the danger signs of feeling hectic and overhelmed, it's time to say no.