Often, we tend to “catastrophize” the stress we feel. We think that we have much more to worry about than we actually do. Of course, there are times we are worrying just as much as we should too.
If you find that your mind is racing and that you cannot concentrate because you are anxious, it can help to write down everything you are worrying about in a journal. Writing in a journal is very helpful in reducing stress. Writing or typing information and ideas reduces stress because the thoughts are now on paper instead of sitting in your mind and this helps to clear your mind.
Write down all of the tasks you need to complete or other things that are on your mind. This will help to separate your experience from the things that are weighing you down. By seeing your responsibilities in front of you, you will get a clearer idea of how you can tackle them, often in a less stressful way.
Whenever you feel like you can’t handle everything that’s on your proverbial plate, write down what you’re worried about. You can take this one step further by writing down why these things worry you.
• I’m afraid I won’t be able to do this right.
• I’m afraid I’ll get fired.
• I’m afraid they won’t like me anymore.
• I’m afraid that I will fail and end up living in a cardboard box.
•
Be as silly with your reasoning as possible because it will help you release your stress as well as realize that perhaps you’re worrying needlessly.
You can use a computer, notebook, special bound journal, loose leaf binder, or just a plain legal pad. I recommend an 8×11 spiral note book or an inexpensive bookstore journal because this motivates you to write more often and your thoughts are special. If you use the computer you can have create a special folder for your journal notes and make up sub-folders for different topics.
Writing an idea down when you just think about will help to remove it from your head so you do not have to worry about retrieving it later. It is a good idea to carry a small note book with you at all times and write down things when you think about what is bothering you. Transcribe this information later when you get home on your computer or your large notebook. You don’t have to be a writer, just write down what you feel on your thoughts and inspirations. Even your smallest thoughts should be written down.
The action of writing can be calming. The mind, eyes, and hand actions, creates relaxation and a feeling of productivity and closure. These are all good responses to help relieve stress and to help you relax. Action always relieves stress and fears, no matter how small the actions. This action is an attempt to go forward with your life.
It’s very important that you write in your journal the same time every day to help keep a daily routine. You can write down your thoughts just before going to bed. This will help to clear your mind and prepare you for sleep. By doing this you are letting go of thoughts and ideas on bad things or worries that adds to feelings of stress. And then… relax!
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