Ways to De-Stress

I am stressed a lot, so I decided to study the topic. I figured I would share what I have gathered so far:
1. It is okay to feel stress.

• A lot of times people get more stressed because they get worked up about feeling stressed.  Life isn't supposed to be peachy keen all the time.  Negative emotions are just as important as positive ones and should be accepted.  If you don't accept them, they are harder to let go of.
• Sometimes emotions are irrational, sometimes it's your body saying, I need pressure release.  It's okay to cry.  Crying is a natural tension release.

2. Figure out what things commonly "trigger" your stress.

• This could be anything from traffic to the weather to marital problems.  Once you have figured out what causes your stress you can deal with those problems head on.  (curing the illness vs. treating the symptoms)
• I've seen recommended that you keep a stress journal.  Write down what time you are stressed and what the situation is.  You may find commonalities.

3. Evaluate whether your stress can be dealt with or if it is beyond your control.

• If it can be dealt with, deal with it.  If it can't, pray and use the atonement to help you let it go.  (I recently learned that there is a difference between saying prayers and praying.  The sincerity and the honesty is different, and the results are different)

4. Don't let it take over.

• If stress is impeding your work, schedule a time to think about it.  Write down the things that pop up and say I will think about this at 5:00 p.m. or whatever time works.  Then concentrate on something else (Kind of check it off your list, it's an appointment that has been rescheduled)

Diet and exercise also contribute to stress.  If stress is a reoccurring issue, look at what you eat and if your body is getting worked up just by living.

Fun and Games

(http://www.igourmet.com/images/topics/turkey1.jpg)

This Week for Thanksgiving I spent the week with my family in Utah.  My sister just had a baby (her fourth) and they are all so adorable!  I was afraid Benny (now three) was going to grow up before I got to see him again (a little paranoia) and I was glad to see that he hasn't changed too drastically.

I loved the food and my family and I played lots of games and watched movies.  My little brother played video games and I realized, I don't really have the patience for them so much anymore... weird what age and responsibilities can do to a person.

Today Carly, My mother, and I all went shopping leisurely for her "birthday adventure" my mom gave her some money and she could spend it how she wanted...personally the best part was looking at all the odds and ends.  I found some really cool things at the dollar store haha.  I was really proud of myself however, I had my visa in my pocket and didn't purchase a thing even though I had money...but not for odds and ends.

I am currently going through a stage of self discovery.  I am learning some things about myself that In ways would have been nice to know a while back.  In others, however it is just nice to know them now.

This Thanksgiving season inclines me to make a list of things I am grateful for:

• My Savior, Jesus Christ
• The Atonement
• The Scriptures
• Prayer
• My Family
• My Friends & Room mates
• My Schooling
• My Talents
• My Singing Voice
• My Piano Playing
• My Knitting
• My Limited Sewing knowlege
• My Cooking
• My Writing
• My Drawing
• Literacy
• Food to Eat
• Home to Shelter me From Frigid Idaho Winters
• Blankets
• Sweaters, and other things to keep me warm.
• Clean water to Drink
• Warm Water to Wash in
• Computers
• Books

I'm one of those people!

What I learned this semester, the most valuable lesson I gained, was about my self worth.

I learned that my entire life I have been suffering from serious self image issues and didn't even know it.
It has affected my behavior in negative ways for as long as I can remember.

I remember in high school, everyone saying that the cute girls think they're fat and...blah blah blah.
I remember thinking "that is so true...but that doesn't apply to me because I really am fat."

I have realized however, that although it wouldn't be unhealthy to lose weight, I am not "Fat" or ugly or...whatever.

I've realized that I may not look good in a bikini, but who cares?  I look really good in jeans and a nice shirt.

This realization had to come from me.  I learned about my own self worth and now I am able to begin recovery.

A bad image is like a drug... addictive, judgement impairing, damaging and resolvable.
The cure is the same...first you have to acknowledge you have a problem and then....fix it!

I am really amazed at what a good perspective can do to a person's life!