It has long been said that stress is not good for us. (and who in our business hasn't been stressed?) It is hard on hearts and raises blood pressure.
We are frequently admonished to stop worry and to cut back on stressful activities.
Right! Of course that is good advise.
The question is who puts us under stress? What causes it?
Watching a do it yourself program on television a while ago, I observed the host putting himself , the owners of the yard they were working on, and all the crew under pressure.
They took on a project that was extensive. The pressure point was the self imposed time limit of three days to complete the work.
No one made that rule for them. They made it themselves. They then proceeded to make themselves crazy trying to get things done in an unreasonable amount of time. I had an ah-ha moment!
One of the greatest ladies I ever knew once told me"you do not get extra hours in your day just because you have over extended yourself." I see now how right she was.
Stress happens when we fail to accept realities. Committing to do more than is reasonable is a guarantee of either failure, or pressure. Over extending the hours we work invites stress.
When you accomplish big things it feels good. Bear in mind though that the ultimate results of pushing too hard hurts your body and takes a toll on your health.
You can still accomplish big things. Know your limits and refuse to go beyond them. Use your resources including your time wisely. Avoid pressure points.
If you look at the situations realistically you will find that in most cases, YOU are the one causing your stress. Be good to yourself and stop it today! It may well extend your tomorrows.
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