Ever had one of those days when you have so much to do that you don't even know where to begin? Or when you have so many thoughts and emotions swimming in your head that you don't know which end is up? I know what that's like! When I'm stressed out or something is bothering me, I sit down and write. Getting my thoughts on paper helps me identify my stressors and come up with solutions. Plus, it just feels good to get it all out!
If you don't do so already, I recommend keeping a journal and writing in it regularly. Writing for just 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your stress level and your mind-set. Many members of my online program use their Fitness Diary for this purpose, but you can also do it the old-fashioned way — with pen and paper.
Need some ideas to get started? Here are some topics you can write about in your journal:
Your day
. Simply writing down a play-by-play of your day can get your thoughts flowing and steer you to other topics.
Your goals
. Writing about the person you want to be and the life you want to live can help you visualize your dreams and come up with a plan for making them real.
Specific problems or worries
. Write about the things that stress you out or events that have upset you in the past. Describe how these things make you feel — and why — and brainstorm a list of actions you can take to counter these problems and feel better.
Priorities and to-do lists
. This is a must for all you multitaskers and responsibility jugglers! When you feel overwhelmed, write down all the things you have to do and prioritize them.
What you're thankful for
. This might sound cheesy, but trust me — it can help you think more positively. Your life will always have room for improvement, of course, but taking time out to acknowledge and appreciate the good things can help you put everything else in perspective.
When you're writing, resist any perfectionist urges. Don't edit yourself, and don't worry about spelling or how your prose sounds. You're not writing for posterity, or for anyone else's sake — you're doing it for you.
- Jillian Michaels
I enjoy your blog....its real and very helpful. thanks for taking the time. You never know who it touches and how it might be helping someone.
ReplyDeleteCher, I missed yesterday's post. My computer has been having "issues" with your site for some reason. Gets all blocked up & I have to keep retrying. I don't get it!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I had no idea about all this stuff going on with you & I am so sorry! Sounds like you are finding ways to deal with it & I hope you have lots of friends & family nearby to help too.. let you talk it out like you blog here.
Today's post is great ideas for anyone, not just a person going thru the really tough stuff. As you mentioned, just every day life stressors can get us crazed!
Thx Cher for "chering" and I am thinking about you & sending HUGS!!!
PS: And you would expect this from me, exercise really helps work out stress! For me, it got me thru many things I never thought I would get thru like the deaths of my parents & other close relatives.
Hang in there & we are here for you!
What a coincidence! I was just getting ready to write my grocery & weekly dinner lists but decided to stop by first.
ReplyDeleteI love my lists and Husband can't stand them. I tried to listerize his life but he refused. Claims he keeps a paper free list in his brain.
Cher, I love this post! I've been reading a lot lately about keeping a 'grateful' journal and how helpful it can be to stay focused on the positive! Definitely worth a try! :)
ReplyDeleteI always think I should journal, never get to it. My ex-bf have a similar relationship, it seems, we love each other to pieces, the sex was great, we just feel nothing. I care for him deeply, but we will both be happier elsewhere. Good luck to you.
ReplyDelete