I'm traveling this weekend to attend my little brother's wedding. If there is any universal event that is known for inducing epic amounts of stress, it's weddings. Whether it's a big life event, an important project at work, relationship challenges, or one of a million other reasons, life can be stressful. Thankfully, there's some people who have been working on ways to manage it.
Last week we introduced some new research by Judith Moskowitz, a psychologist from Northwestern University, focused on how to reduce stress in our lives. She introduces us to eight practical skills that help us manage stress better. You can read about the first four skills in part 1.
This week, we'll briefly touch on the last four, but as we mentioned in the last article, if stress is getting you down and you want a deep dive into these skills, you can sign up for Moskowitz's online course here.
Positive Reappraisal
It can be kind of annoying when people tell us to "see the brightside." According to science, those people may be annoying, but they're also effective at managing stress. When we find the silver lining in life's negative events it helps us re-engage with the event and cope with its associated stress better.
For example, on my way to the airport yesterday I realized that I was going to miss the window to check my bag. Nearly hyperventilating thinking about what it would be like to spend a week without a checked bag, my wife reminded me she was flying out the next day and could take it. However, once at the airport I was still feeling the stress from the experience. I reminded myself how great it is to fly with just a backpack and could immediately feel my stress levels lowering.
Self-Compassion
This skill may be one of the simplest to comprehend, but it is the hardest for most to practice. Oftentimes we are our own biggest critic and hold ourselves to a standard higher than we hold others. Rather, cut yourself some slack and celebrate all of who you are. One small, albeit ridiculous, way I show self-compassion is by high-fiving myself when I achieve something small. When I click "schedule" on this article, you bet I'm getting a high-five.
Personal Strengths
There's a thousand benefits of knowing our strengths. Let's add "reduces stress" to the list. By knowing what we are good and reminding ourselves of it, we can face life's challenges and obstacles with confidence.
Attainable Goals
The research on goal attainment tells us that any progress we make increases positive emotions. Increasing positive emotions decreases stress. This can be as simple as making a to-do list for the day and crossing things off as we go. "Read something that makes me better," CHECK.
Stress may be a part of our lives, but it doesn't have to control our lives. Practice these eight skills and start mastering your stress today.
Fact
It may go without saying for some, but Jeff Huffman, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, reminds us there's good data that feeling positive emotions makes people happier.
Action
Make a "To-Do Today" list and achieve some small goals.
Question
What is something you do well that you never had to learn or practice?
Quote
“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” – Lily Tomlin
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