Why do we avoid learning to manage stress? Here are some reasons and myths that keep us from learning to reduce our stress! 

1. “I thrive on stress.”
2. “Stress just comes with the territory.”
3. “It’s just stress, I don’t need help.”
4. “I deal with stress; it isn’t a big deal.”
5. “I don’t have time to relax.”
6. “It’s expensive to learn to reduce stress.”
7. “I will be fine in a couple of days.”
8. “People who are stressed just can’t cope with reality.”
9. “People will think I am weak or crazy if I take a stress reduction class.”
10. “I am always stressed; why does it matter?” 

Any of these sound familiar? I went through all the these barriers and then made the decision that I not only wanted, but NEEDED to learn to manage stress. 

Don't let you fool you or what people think stop you from getting what you need! This is YOUR life and you want to squeeze all the joy possible out of it as you can! 

Tip: This too shall pass

Can’t find the keys, laundry is piling up, kids are driving you nuts, your head is splitting, and you have work deadlines looming! No one is devoid of these types of stressors and they can cause temporary feelings of stress and anxiety. Oddly enough if you accept that you are having these feelings and that they WILL PASS you activate your body’s natural relaxation response. 

​Meredith Brown
      

               Playing piano is a skill. It would not be expected that someone could just sit down and suddenly play Moonlight Sonata or Piano Man.

So why do we tell people to stop stressing out and expect them to suddenly stop?

Why do we get upset or feel anxious and guilty for feeling stressed?
 
Learning to control stress is a skill. Stress management skills need to be learned and practiced just like piano! Getting anxious or upset with yourself for stressing out is as ridiculous as getting angry you can’t play piano.

Tip: Start small, compliment yourself today. There is something you did well today and there will be something you do well tomorrow. Start to notice things that make your world better, the good moments.
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Have a relaxing day!
Meredith