Every now and then, I just have one of those days, or mornings. And I often ask myself, when experiencing one of these challenging times, what can I do, to turn this around because I REALLY don’t want to feel this stressed all day!
This morning, the opportunity presented itself.
I woke up, after a less than stellar night of sleep. This is probably due in part to a crick in my neck, which prohibits me from turning to my right (which is the exact way I have to turn to see my kids, while driving); I dreamt about the stress I am feeling with summer classes starting and thought all night apparently, about all the prep work to do in the next 2 days, to get my class ready. I woke up at some point around 3am, hearing my son cough. Normally not a big deal, but since his week- long coughing spasm, 6 weeks ago, which forced him to vomit…and loose 3 lbs with in 4 days thanks to his coughing and vomiting, ….I grew concerned…at 3am and could not all back asleep.
Normally a happy morning person, I woke up tired, to a daughter who apparently achieved a new decibel level last night while her Daddy was putting her to bed. “The Mother Tantrums of all tantrums.” was his exact quote (thankfully I was at school last night.) While asking her what happened, she started to fuss…at 7am today. Then, we- of course- had to talk through why she must wear socks for summer camp , when her brother wakes up. Refusing to go potty and yet, when finally sitting comfortably on the toilet seat, shows his sister, his new sliver. Thankfully I am dressed and ready to go for the day, but this sliver is getting the best of me. After digging what seams to be a hole into his palm…I finally get it.
Onto breakfast….which ends up all over the table (no more oatmeal for him!) and finally onto summer camp and babysitter. Oh wait, damn the email that comes through my phone… my bank? Something wrong with a deposit? UGH!
After I dropped everyone off, I took a breath and still felt crappy. I felt as if I was run over by a truck, got back up, to get run over again. I did NOT want to feel this way, all day. I knew that if I kept saying how bad my day was, I would perpetuate the cycle and the day would grow more and more difficult. I knew I had to turn this day around now…but how?
Knowing I did not have the time for anything “fun”…I grabbed my Starbucks drink and sat for 10 minutes. I journaled my complaints, oddly, after re-reading my complaint, I realized that though stressful, I am very blessed. So I turned the page and started writing what I have to be thankful for. That did it.
Turning into a the-glass-is-half-full type of gal, will not always work. Nor do we feel like looking at things that way all the time. But sometimes we just need an excuse to end the negative, frustrating way of looking at our day. So we can turn it around and feel less stressed, less anxiety, throughout the day. It gives up an excuse to change direction, for the better.
I know that journaling helps me do this. What would you do, on a moment’s notice (even if just for 5 minutes) that can help you turn a frustrating day into a less stressful one? Thinking about it in the middle of the stress, will not help you as much as if you plan it, now, when you are at a more peaceful point.
If you do not plan it, you may have many more frustrating days ahead you.
What is your plan to turn a frustrating morning into a less stressful day?
