
A new approach to stress is bringing relief to U.S. soldiers, and could hold the key to how we should all deal with life's obstacles.
Army Tip: Get perspective.
When we're stressed we tend to focus on the worst-case outcome of a situation. You don't need to push those thoughts aside, think of their opposite instead. Write down the worst-case scenario. It' will sharpen thinking and take you out of your negative spiral. After it's gone you can begin to look at outcomes in a more honest way.
Army Tip: Don't wait for the sword to drop.
Undercut anxiety by taking purposeful action. Don't sit and stew over a rumor of layoffs at work, schedule a meeting about your company's and your own prospects in 2010 and get the real story.
Army Tip: Look for joy.
There is a large body of research that shows that people who cultivate positive emotion generally deal much better with adversity. Look for a highlight, even if it's only a small one from your day. Joy and gratitude can help keep you from the paralyzing effects of anxiety.
Army Tip: Pool your resources.
Just as no problem is created solely by you, neither is any one solution. Identify your personal strengths and a list of strengths of those you rely on. When you can draw from your strengths as well as those of other people, you can get a lot accomplished.
Source: www.oprah.com