Sometimes C.O.P.I.N.G Is All We Can Do

We strive for excellence in our lives, going at full throttle, but sometimes we are faced with a situation where all we do is "hurry up and wait".

That's when we need to learn about coping.

C is for Conscious.

Conscious slowing down is required here, as we take stock of what is really happening in our life. It is not like tuning out, we are fully aware that we are in the moment and observing ourselves, as it were. Life has hit us with something sudden and usually it is somsthing, unpleasant or unwanted, such as divorce, death of a loved one or a job loss.

O.Opt-in.

Opt-in to the process in your time and at your own pace. Again this does not mean "zoning out", as the kids today say. It means that you will face the situation in your own personal style. Do you need to be alone to cry, meditate, do some journaling? Are your friends and family what you need? Say so!

P.Participate.

This is much like opting in, however, where the former one is more an attitude the latter is more hands on. Take part in your eventual re-emergence this issue or event. Again, at your pace. If you feel you are not ready to see a certain person or attend a function, make a courteous refusal. You can explain that you don't feel up to it, but would like to be asked again in the future.

I.Involved.

Your ongoing involvement is a big part of the coping process. There will be steps that you must go through that will taking you closer to coming out on the other side of the experience. It's more beneficial for you to take small,timely, forward moving steps than to make huge leaps and then have to retreat or re-start.

N.Negotiate.

Negotiate with yourself or your support circle for things you need help with. If there children depending on you at this time, there are things others can do for you, so you can have more strength and focus to provide the relative stabilty that the children will need. Can someone shop for groceries, so that you can pick up the kids from school? Maybe that's all you can manage for the day. Get help preparing meals, doing laundry, etc. Some of us find it very hard to ask for help, but using your energy wisely is a must, if you are to recover your "old" self.

G.Gratitude.

Gratitude is important for so many reasons. It shows acknowledgement and appreciation, with no regard for the magnitude or humbleness of the gift, it's enough that it was given. So thank everyone for their help during your challenging time. Don't be driven to try to "pay" them back! A sincere, heart-felt thanks with a well chosen card is enough. They"ll be happy just to have the old you back. Gratitude for the lesson to be learned in the crisis may take a long time. But that may eventually come. For now you've survived and your alive with possibilities...again!

Yvonne is the one who her family, friends and customers turn to for great skin care advice and product recommendations.

Please visit her website at: http://www.freewebs.com/herbal healthyskin/self-improvement.htm

---

Stress Management and Mastery: Shake It Off and Step Up

The moment I read the story I'm about to share... Read More

Ten Easy Relaxation Techniques

Stress is more than just unpleasant. It's dangerous. Try these... Read More

How Stressed-Out Are YOU?

Are you feeling stressed out? Too many things to do,... Read More

Coping With Stress

When something happens in our lives, we automatically assess the... Read More

Control Stress with High Morale

When Army leaders fail to control battlefield stress, they lose... Read More

How Breathing Differently Can Make You Happier

"When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe,... Read More

Busy Fish: Tips for Changing Your Day from Chaos to Calm

Syndicated columnist Dale Dauten recently wrote, "One of life's great... Read More

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

"Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make... Read More

Balancing Acts: Keeping Work and Life in Equilibrium

In the fast-paced world that we live in today, it... Read More

Stress Managment and Mastery: Progress vs. Perfection

David Bowie once sang, "Ch-ch-changes, tryin' to face the strain."And... Read More

Stress In The Workplace

According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions' (A.C.T.U.) 1997... Read More

A 2-Minute Stress Buster

Meditation seems to have arrived in the mainstream of late,... Read More

How to Cope When Things Go Wrong

There are times in every person's life when things do... Read More

Stress Management: Are You a Chooser or a Loser?

Author and speaker H. Stephen Glenn has said,"In terms of... Read More

How to Cope With Stress and Strain

Work related tensions, personal issues and abnormal lifestyles are the... Read More

Stress Relief for Busy Business People - 11 Easy Ways

Make stress less of an issue for you in your... Read More

Planning Stress Management

Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at... Read More

Waking Up Well - The Essentials

Preparing for sleep the night before is the place to... Read More

Through Stress Comes Kindness

In these times when companies are constantly down-sizing and right-sizing... Read More

Dont Be a Worry Wort!

Everyone worries. As bothersome as it is, worry isn't all... Read More

The Underlying Cause of Nervous Breakdowns

Life can offer us many challenges having to do with... Read More

There is no Such Thing as Good Stress

Q: What is Stress?A: Very basically it is the physical,... Read More

Self Indulgence: It Isn?t Just About Chocolate

It's no secret that we women, by virtue of our... Read More

I?m Gettin? Really Torqued!

For those of you who have been living in a... Read More

Dealing With Stress in Our Overworked Lives

As small business owners, we often take on more than... Read More

7 Tips to Relieve Stress At Work

Do you feel stress at work? Do you carry your... Read More

Stress Management: How to Handle Rejection - The Power of NEXT

Raise your hand if you have ever been rejected by... Read More

10 Ways to Enjoy Your Stress More

1. The Mentor Method: think of your favorite person. Someone... Read More

Stress Management: KYFM - Keep Your Feet Moving

One of my favorite stories about change is the story... Read More

10 Ways to Reduce Commuting Stress

Do you get out of your car with a queasy... Read More

Intelligent Emotions

We so often take the feelings of happiness and saddness... Read More

How to Recognize Stress Before it Turns Into Anger

After a stressful day as a computer programmer, Jim pulled... Read More

5 Steps to Make Stress Your Best Friend

You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More