The 5th A of Stress Management

Accept the Stressor
·      Don’t try to control the uncontrollable
o   Trying to change the tide is not going to be possible and trying to fight it will exhaust you. So choosing to surf it, will be easier and a great deal more manageable.  
·      Look for the upside. 
o   Again, how do you want to look at things.  Finding a positive in a bad situation is very stress reducing. Sometimes we need to stick it out in a job that we don’t like, but need it. Finding one small aspect of it and putting your head down and focusing on the positive aspect, even if that is the paycheck at the end of it, and planning your strategy of finding a new job.
·      Share your feelings.
o   Talking through the feelings to the right person can help you move towards acceptance and relieve the stress.  If you are lucky, you have a friend that can help you laugh through it.
·      Learn to forgive.
o   Holding on to resentment is really like drinking poison and expecting the person you are angry with to die.  Forgiveness is for you and not the other person.  Walking through the stages of forgiveness is a journey and one where you will feel lighter at the end of.