Organize Self

Stress Management:

Withdraw, Regroup,

and Re-emerge

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I sometimes have an interesting week.  In fact, recently it was one of those weeks which held it’s normal share of disturbances, challenges, and unknowns.  But for me, this week was extra heavy in the stress department, probably not so much because of what happened, but because I keep having weeks like this.  It just catches up with you.

When you get stressed and you realize you’re not managing it well, what do you do?  Since I have been there a few times myself, may I suggest the following three thoughts:  withdraw, regroup, and re-emerge.

Withdraw

Yes, I believe the first step to bringing order back to your mind is to step back a pace or two.  In fact, I like the idea of complete isolation, almost total quiet, and plenty of space.  It may not always happen, but when you feel the need, head towards your master bedroom if you are at home, go to the restroom if you are at work, or maybe just take a walk if you can get away.  You need some space to withdraw enough to see the forest.  Sometimes the trees just get too big and are too many to see how you are going to deal with the whole jungle.

Regroup

Second, I believe that you have to regroup.  This includes reviewing your priorities, deciding if it is going to be cornflakes for dinner again, if the wash can be handled by your spouse tonight, if your teenager can manage your two other children so you can have an hour alone at the library to work uninterrupted.  In other words, review for a few moments options to do things differently, and maybe this time by doing something that will work better.

Re-emerge

Third, re-emerge again into your life.  When you do, take a moment to notify those around you that things may need to be a little different today.  No you are not going to go to that meeting, yes you are planning on a simple dinner, no you won’t be able to wash those special pants until Saturday, yes you would appreciate some babysitting help this evening.  Remember, it is up to you and me to make life work for our families, in our workplace, and all through our life.

So, in the end, it is also up to us to withdraw a pace, regroup to find better organization possibilities, and then re-emerge with a sense of leadership and a smile with which to work through the current stresses.

Remember, it doesn’t do much good to worry about the past.  Just look forward, ask for help when and where you need it, and go slower to get more done.  Always, always when stress overcomes your better self, it seems to work best to withdraw, regroup, and then re-emerge.  They will love you for being back on top of the it again, and you will usually, in the end, get more done in less time.

Have a good week.   Find more helpful ideas in the House of Order Handbook.

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