Empty the Swamp- Drain the Stress

Lately, I have made it my business to become an expert on stress, mostly handling all the factors that come my way, sort of stress from inside out; or how you can empty the swamp when you are up to your a#$ in alligators.

And that is exactly what is important, knowing the problem. Alligators really can put a crimp in your stride. Know this, and you can adjust. Not know this and you are severely hobbled, even dead.

Another important thing is to know your swamp. Parts of it are deeper than others, and instead of your a#$, you are in over your head. This can happen in an instant, or over time. Either way, it is bad.

So these are two lessons from the swamp that relate to stress. I could probably go on, and lamely link other swamp things like bugs and muskrats to the analogy, but I won't.

My best advice on dealing with stress, after you know you have a problem and are dealing with it satisfactorily, check again and make sure you are seeing it correctly, and dealing with the problem in a reasonable way. Friends, people who care about you all can be a big help in improving your perspective. Sometimes you want to reject any and all suggestions out of hand, but remember, people are trying to help. And you have to welcome the help or your stress level will rise, and panic can set in. Bottom line, after listening, you decide on the action to be taken, and you call up that old virtue of fortitude (the habit of making decisions with out regret) and move forward.

It is good to remember that you are never really alone as you face life's decisions, even though you are the only one who is responsible to make them. Talking with people helps to reinforce the decision, and in this reinforcement, there is a reduction in negative stress. It really works.

Reaching out to others is one of the best remedies to reduce stress. Often, we like to go it alone. (No one needs to help, no one needs to know the problems, I can handle it.) This may work for a while, but it will take its toll on you in many ways, emotionally, mentally and physically. Talk about the issues that confront you. Open the door for alternative thinking. Keep up a lively social life that can be a support in difficult times. (Sometimes it is not good to be too liberal with bad news. You can make a lot of other people unhappy by one trip to the supermarket.) It helps to be sure the network that you have built is strong and positive.

Most of all, in any stressful period (or better yet, all the time) remember that you are number one. Take care of yourself, eat well, and exercise. Walk. Go miles a day. Share the walk, add talk and conversation. Do a workout at a gym where there are people on different journeys through life, and have some fun.

And the swamp is drained and the alligators are gone!