We recently came across an article written by Therese Borchard that recounted her experiences with managing challenging situations like holidays, visiting family members, weddings, houseguests, and travel.
We thought a few of her tips were worth sharing, because it doesn’t necessarily take a special occasion to ramp up our anxiety.
We are all subject to it virtually every day.
How well we handle the stresses and strains in our lives may well be influenced by the coping techniques we employ.
Thanks to Therese Borchard, here are a few ideas for facing the challenges of life:
Expect the Worst. Now that isn’t meant to be defeatist. That advice is simply meant to encourage our acknowledgment that really unwelcome situations occasionally occur, and it is better to meet them with some preparedness than with shock and surprise.
Besides, if we anticipate that the worst might occur, virtually anything else that happens can be appreciated for the blessing it is.
HALT. In this case HALT is a great acronym capable of reminding us, when stress is beating at our door, that it’s best to face it neither Hungry, Angry, Lonely, nor Tired.
We human beings are marvelously constructed composites of physical, emotional, and spiritual elements. To be in peak condition, we can’t ignore the careful tending of any aspect of ourselves.
When we’re under stress, we shouldn’t try to get by with less sleep or prayer or exercise, or an inadequate diet. We need to take care of ourselves in order to be able to take care of whatever comes our way.
Utilize your support system. Whether it’s a bridge group, golf buddies, book club, church circle, Al-Anon, prayer chain, or some other group, it helps to stay connected to the people who keep us focused, grounded, and honest with ourselves and others.
Without connection to the folks who know us, encourage us, and hold us accountable, it’s easy to lose perspective and be swept up in life’s storms.
Know Thyself. When we are facing especially stressful times, it’s wise to acknowledge our limitations. Are you only good for three hours of shopping or a 50-mile car trip? Are you undone by caring for the neighbor’s dog or planning a dinner for 12?
Then make an alternative plan. Many times the events we have considered necessities aren’t. If an acceptable substitute can be found that reduces anxiety, everyone benefits.
Recommit to your priorities. We may sense we’re not spending our time, energy, attention, and enthusiasm on things that matter to us. Instead we’re caught up in unfulfilling efforts or activities we’ve accepted as important, but which our hearts are telling us are not.
Perhaps the wisest words to remember in such circumstances are these: “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
We need periodically to remind ourselves just what (and who) we treasure. That’s where our honor, service, and our hearts belong. And when we’re really committed and engaged with what we treasure most, we’re less distractible and discouraged.
The stress just melts away.
Feeling anxious, stressed out, hassled, or harried? Try taking a tip or two from fellow travelers. There’s always a way through the tough spots, and you’re not traveling alone.
