Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
In the previous Watt Works blog we discussed the impact of stress on health and wellbeing and also began to explore ways of dealing with stress more effectively. In today’s blog we are going to explore this issue a little further.
In 1998 Richard Carlson published the famous self-help book ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’. This book sold millions of copies and provides some valuable and often simple strategies for dealing with the daily hassles that we all experience. In this blog we are going to explore two simple strategies from this book that will help you manage stress more effectively…
Live In the Moment
How many of us live in a state of “when I have done x or when I have y, then I’II be happy”?
Living with a constantly updating list of things to do or have and concerns regarding some future issue distracts us from current pleasures and enjoyment. Living in the hope and expectation of future happiness means that we constantly postpone gratification. Spending time worrying about potential problems in the future also prevents us living in the present moment.
Think back – how many of the problems that you have spent time worrying about have actually become major issues? How much time do you spend worrying about future issues over which you have no control? Accepting that there are uncontrollable factors in your personal and professional life is key to being able to live and enjoy the present moment.
Will this matter a year from now?
In the previous blog, which discussed how shifting perspective can often reduce the level of stress experienced and the simple question, “will this matter a year from now?” can be a powerful way of shifting your perspective. Often we can feel overwhelmingly angry or frustrated by relatively small issues, but a year or month on these feelings will be forgotten. So, identify what you are worried about today:
- What is worrying you at work?
- What is worrying you at home?
- What aspect of your future are you worrying about?
And then ask yourself, “Will these worries really matter a year from now?”
Asking this simple question can quickly shift your perspective.
And remember, whether something is good or bad it will pass … so live in the moment and stop sweating the small stuff!
You may also be interested in our stress management skills training course held at our fabulous Booths Hall premises in Cheshire.
Tags: deal with stress, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, impact of stress on health, live in the moment, Richard Carlson, stress management, stress management skills
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