It seems like work-stress is as common as fur balls in cats or lint in dryers. Most people I talk to are barely keeping up with the workload and then… another huge roadblock is placed by a manager or client derailing progress, the company goes through a restructuring, a favorite boss leaves for a new job etc. All of a sudden overwork moves into a huge dose of overwhelm and dissatisfaction. You find yourself tossing and turning in the wee hours of the morning as your brain swirls with worried thoughts. What can you do to calm your mind and get in a more resourceful and optimistic state of mind?
There is a powerful question I use frequently with clients -“What do I control?” When we start taking a good look at our worries it becomes quite clear that the answer is, “Very little!” We don’t control if our favorite boss leaves. We don’t control if a client comes back with a change in plans. We don’t control the restructuring of our company. However, most of us expend a huge amount of energy and worry on those things we have absolutely no control over. It’s a waste of time and life force.
So next time you feel yourself slipping into the dark pit of worry and overwhelm try this little exercise. Get a piece of paper and divide it into two sections. Put the heading “I Control” on one side and “I Don’t Control” on the other. Then begin listing your worries placing them under the correct heading. When you are finished look on the side that “I Control.” Now that is the side you can spend time taking action on. Focus all your thoughts and energy on those items. As for the other side of the paper – let it go. You can’t do anything about it so release it.
Now my question for you is, “What delightful things are you going to do with all that extra brain power?!”
Have an amazing Monday! (and everyday.)
Leanna Fredrich, Leadership, Career and Stress Management Coach
Adv.EFT, Adv. Psych-K
Leanna@amazingmondays.com
PS: Still having troubles letting go of your worries? I love tapping as a tool to calm the brain. Here’s a script for you to try…
Karate Chop:
Even though I am still worrying about this thing I can’t control, I love and accept myself anyway.
Even though I can’t let this go I accept how I feel.
Even though I am holding onto this worry I love myself anyway.
Eyebrow: This worry.
Side of Eye: This stress.
Under Eye: I can’t do anything about it.
Under Nose: And that’s what bugs me most!
Chin Point: All this stress.
Collar Bone: I want to control this aspect of my life.
Under Arm: It causes so much tension.
Top of Head: I find myself worrying a lot.
Tap through the negative sequence to release until your feeling of negativity is around a 5 or lower on a scale of 1-10. Then you may move to the positive round.
Positive Round:
Eyebrow: I am focusing on what I control.
Side of Eye: I take action in that area.
Under Eye: It feels good to take action where it really counts.
Under Nose: I choose to leave the other worries to the Universe.
Chin Point: Everything usually works out just fine.
Collar Bone: All is well.
Under Arm: I am safe.
Top of Head: I love feeling relaxed and calm.