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Sometimes just running is better than either accepting or attempting to change. Put that on the list, too. (Source)
There's a famous saying that goes "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the thing I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." We're not getting quite that meditative today, but it makes a good point all the same. With the over-the-top hectic schedules school gives us, it's easy to turn into a crying stress ball reminiscent of Jessie Spano's timeless breakdown.
Stress comes for us all in a thousand different ways, but stressors really only fall into two categories: things we can do something about, and things we can't. Today, we're talking about the wisdom to know the difference.
READING: EENY MEENY MINY YOGA
When it comes to stressors we can do something about, we exercise a little something called Problem Solving. You may have heard of this? You may not have heard that problem solving is technically more involved than throwing darts at a dart board or playing a few intense games of Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, as effective as those are.
In fact, there are six steps to problem solving. Most of them you probably do without thinking, but when the problems are bigger (as they tend to be in high school), the problem solving is more labor-intensive, and it helps to have specific steps as a guide.
This six step model isn't just something they tell teenagers in school; it's actually quite popular in businesses and professional training organizations, too. I know inter-office memos aren't your thing (yet?), but the ideas in this short training guide are worth a look. Read the first two pages and come back when you're finished.
PROBLEMSOLVING685110.PDFAs to the problems we can't do anything about, our only good option is to relax. There are a variety of ways to tackle this...er, uh, relax, and different strategies work for different people, but here are my faves, none of which include joining a monastery or building a zen garden:
Take a mini relaxation break, even if it's just one minute.
Get your yoga on. Yoga is all the rage lately, and for a reason. Talk about a breather.
Exercise. Even five minutes of exercise gets your blood pumping, circulates more oxygen to your brain, and gives you some fun endorphins. Run the stairs a time or two, or lap the block a couple times.Â
Organize. Update calendars or To Do lists to account for any looming stressors, like an upcoming test. Having a plan in place takes the sting out of worry.
Switch gears. Do something creative and soothing (coloring book?), something active (kickboxing) or something social (long chat with a friend) to take your mind off of the issue. Odds are good you'll come back refreshed.
Add heat. It could be a hot towel around your neck or a hot shower, but heat is fantastic at relaxing tense muscles. Plus, steam is great for those pores.
Have a dance party. Honestly, when is it not a good time for a dance party?
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