Feeling Stressed Out? Try This

The last 30 days have been crazy for me. Emotionally, I feel more stressed than I have in a long time – probably more stressed than when I was writing my exams in University. But it’s a weird stress because I also have these moments where I feel super-elated; like life could not get any better than this.

I’ve really put myself out there – stretching what I thought was possible and the results are showing. This month I’ve had my biggest jump in income as a blogger/coach. I’ve already cleared $3,500 US for the month of August from this site alone.

It makes me happy to know that all my hard work and effort has paid off.   The funny thing is that this has been the easiest money I’ve ever made.  I remember how hard I used to work to earn $3,000 per month at my job as an engineer.  There is no comparison.

It took me a little longer to get to this point than I expected, but it has been well worth it.  Three years in the making, I’ve felt like giving up, but I persisted.  I kept focused on my vision by asking questions like: “How can I help?  How can I make a difference?  How can I contribute?

The big question that ties all these together is also the one that helped me create the strategy to earn that money – that question is… “How can I get paid for helping, making a difference and contributing to others?”

It makes me feel proud to be a part of something that makes a difference and I know that others appreciate it too. Over the past few weeks I’ve been getting 3-5 emails a week from people telling me how I’ve had an impact on them with my blog posts and videos… and hearing that makes me feel grateful.

At the same time I’ve gone through a lot of changes and at times I feel stressed. Maybe this is what T. Harv Eker talks about when he says,

“You are only growing when you are in tension.  Your Intention is when you are in tension.”

I do feel that tension. Everything seems to be happening much faster than I could have ever imagined and I don’t feel grounded like I used to. Things are less predictable based on my older beliefs and that is a bit nerving.

I have 50,000+ views on my Youtube Channel and I barely update my channel anymore. It seems to go up by 5,000 views each month without me really doing anything.

On Friday I reacted to a comment my mom made.  I seem irritated at times.

I also got into an argument with a long-time friend of mine this past weekend.  This was unexpected as we normally get along. It’s been a few days and I’m just getting over it now.

Yesterday I couldn’t see much of anything positive in my life (even though things are going great from an outside perspective). I talked it through with one of my business partners. That really helped.  I realized again for the first time that nothing is ever as bad as it seems ;)

3 Ways I’m Dealing with the Stress

Here are the 3 ways I’m dealing with the stress:

1. Keep in Good Shape: The first way I’m dealing with the stress is by going to the gym. I usually work out three times a week. I’ve bumped that up to about 5 times a week including once a week to play hockey. This has really helped me energize, focus and relax. It also helps me get a break from thinking too much.

2. Become Aware of Feelings: I’ve made more of an effort to become aware of how I feel as opposed to what my head is telling me is happening. As an example if I have a feeling in my abdomen, I just notice the feeling. I don’t give it a name or label it. I just become aware of it. I focus on what color it is, the size of it and how it feels without trying to label it as good or bad. I just notice it for what it is. Most times the negative feelings go away without me having to “fix” anything. I’m surprised how well this works.

3. Connect with Relationships: I’ve made an effort to spend more time with my family and friends. On Sunday I went to visit Trisha’s parents and visit a few cousins of mine. That gave me a chance to catchup and reconnect with people I don’t see very often. This also made me realize that everyone has problems – it’s normal and you can’t get rid of them.  By connecting and listening with others I’ve re-discovered that the best way to overcome my own problems is to look for the opportunity in them. It’s a matter of seeing the good when there is nothing good to be seen.

That’s how I’ve dealt with the stress and it has seemed to help.

What do you do when your stressed out? How do you de-stress?

5 Comments

  • Belle

    Reply Reply August 25, 2010

    Hey Steve, I definitely work out and dance when I am stressed. I started aerial arts in April and not only I love it, but it has been my biggest de-stressor :)

    I will try to notice my feelings without labeling them…

    Thanks for all you do!
    Belle

  • Steve

    Reply Reply August 25, 2010

    Hey Belle!

    It’s so amazingly awesome to hear from you… and thank you for sharing what works to de-stress. I love it!

    I also play hockey – there is something special about physical activity. It just reorganizes your brains cells so that you can perform without anxiety… and I completely agree.

    Thank you so much for dropping by!

  • Monique

    Reply Reply August 25, 2010

    Steve,

    I appreciate your article which emphasizes how subtle and yet what a deep impact our thoughts can have on how we feel. Stress is such a big problem, which unfortunately many people feel they just have to get better at handling stress but in reality, a slight mind set shift can make all the difference and the stress can drop away.

    I wonder how much of stress lives in the mind.

    Congrats on your income boost!

    Monique

  • Steve

    Reply Reply August 25, 2010

    Thanks for the boost (I mean the comment) Monique!

  • vlazin

    Reply Reply August 25, 2010

    Hi Steve,
    You are speaking of stress-elation stress… but as you would agree with me there are various levels of stress henceforth dictates various levels of destress.
    Would you agree?
    vlazin
    PS I envy you, you got to do what you probably enjoy, that is why you are on the frenzy of “runner high” which you relate as stress.
    You are lucky!

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