It was a Friday afternoon, and there were only a few hours left before I was due to log off my computer and start my annual leave. Yay, I thought! Then, one of those emails came through. I had to submit a piece of work two days after I returned from leave! I felt that sinking feeling in my stomach. I had two choices I thought: worry about this now and let it impact my annual leave or put it out of my mind. I decided on the latter. Besides, what would worrying achieve!
Agency
The scenario above is probably very familiar to all of us, whether it be a work or a personal situation which knocks us sideways. Nonetheless, the impact is the same; you must decide on how to manage it. Often, unexpected things like the above are totally out of our control, and there isn’t anything we can do about someone sending you that message or email. However, what we can do is control how we react, and this is where the power lies. I recently had a timely reminder about self-agency and that I can determine how I think and feel. It would be remiss of me not to mention that there are times or situations that can disempower us, but the thing to hold on to is that we all possess the ability to create our own destiny.
Mindset
So, how did I arrive at this point? Well, I decided to put into practice a few things I had been exploring and reading about, such as mindfulness and focusing on the current moment. Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle reminds us that suffering comes from living in and poring over the past or thinking too far ahead into the future and imagining what may or may not happen. I decided to compartmentalise the future tasks until necessary. I also took a few deep breaths, which immediately seemed to settle me down. It is widely thought breathing exercises can reduce stress and relax the body. The good thing about this is that it can be used anytime and is free!
If you find yourself in a position where something unexpected happens that unsettles you, why not try one of the strategies below?
5 top tips
1. Practice mindfulness
2. Control your breathing
3. Set boundaries
4. Know when to say yes and when to say no!
5. Ask for help
For more tips, read this article inspired by Brene Brown.
If you would like to get more support, email me at info@jmconsultancy.uk.
Visit my website- www.jmconsultancy.uk
Until next time, take good care and breathe!
Janice