A Blueprint for Tackling Stress: Leaning into the Life's Ebb and Flow

A Blueprint for Tackling Stress: Leaning into the Life's Ebb and Flow

Undeniably, we all have, on more than one occasion, succumbed to the icy clutch of stress that sneaks up on us in diverse situations. It is as inevitable as it is universal, leaving us fumbling for answers and solace. But the key lies not in eliminating stress entirely, but learning to dance amidst the stinging rain, using it as a propelling force rather than an anchor ready to pull us down. In this piece, I take you through my personal journey and share a guide to curating your balance amidst the chaos.

Looking back, I've weathered numerous seasons of stress, propelled by a variety of unexpected turns. I guess you could say, I prefer a more settled, less complicated life. Anything a little out of the ordinary radar, or a significant life-altering event, and I feel stress creeping in. Especially when it involves change, as a move to a new house. I've switched houses four times within six years, which I admit is a questionable choice for someone with my disposition to change. But now, I'm content in the space I call my home, with no immediate plans for another big move.

Alongside my preference for a simple life, I also belong to the exciting, yet unpredictable, realm of self-employment. I love being my own boss, the freedom it gifts me, from defining my own hours to not being accountable to anyone but myself. But, like a coin's two sides, there's an element of insecurity about the ebbs and flows of the business world and the daunting lack of a fixed income. The constant worries about paying my mortgage, my car loan, ensuring my children's needs are met— at times, these stresses would taunt my sleepless nights.

However, I have found a way to navigate these choppy waters. In the prosperous business periods, I squirrel away as much money as I can to cushion the leaner times— a practice that offers me peace, chiseling the intense mountains of worry into manageable molehills.

And it doesn't stop there. Tax season, which inevitably looms at the end of each year, used to send me into a whirlwind of anxiety. But now, I've adopted a similar strategy of setting aside a dedicated "tax fund" each month, easing off the end-of-year pressure.

Addressing each looming worry with logic and proactive problem-solving, rather than letting it leech away my sleep, has further streamlined my stress management.

In this stress navigation journey, I've also faced some unexpected pitfalls. For instance, the hangovers after a jovial evening out with alcohol would leave me lost in a sea of lethargy and irrational worries about the future. The recovery from such evenings stretched over two whole days, encroaching on my family and work dynamics. I've resolved to limit my alcohol consumption and adopt a more moderate approach to social engagements.

Stress seems to loom in the most unlikely of places too. Overworking, sleep deprivation, post-illness recovery, squabbles with my loved ones, or even an invitation to a social event I'd rather avoid, like a wedding— each of these can unexpectedly stir the pot of stress. Even the prospect of a holiday stirs up anxiety. From the fear of flying to worries about the quality of hotel accommodations, what should be a break from stress becomes another source of it!

One empowering lesson that has been instrumental in anchoring me amidst the storm is ensuring adequate sleep. Embracing the natural rhythms of rest has worked wonders, lending to me feelings of comfort and safety. I've witnessed the benefits of appropriate rest, moving from my earlier tendencies to overwork, stay up late, only to wake up early and begin the frenzied cycle anew.

After reading up on stress management, I've discovered the therapeutic potential of a good night's rest in reducing stress. This new habit of relaxing into a peaceful slumber at 10 p.m. and waking up an hour later in the morning has become my go-to stress relief solution.

As I continue my journey, I endeavor to embrace life's unexpected twists and turns, tackling each challenge with a positive attitude. It's important to remember that a life devoid of challenges may appear smooth but can quickly turn monotonous.

I've learnt to appreciate all that life has bestowed upon me, replacing dread for the future with excitement for the unknown. While hardships will be inevitable, I am resolved to conquer these with resilience and swiftly move on. On days where gloom seems to engulf me, I turn to my children, whose innocence and affection unfailingly ignites joy within me.

Stress, as we all know, is an inseparable part of life's journey. But remember, it is within our power to harness this inevitable force, twist it, turn it, and use it to fuel our growth, rather than allow it to wither our spirits. We all have the strength within us to curate our balance amidst the chaos, it's just about discovering it.