Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Stressed or desserts...

With the economic crisis and everyone is wondering about what will happen in the next 5 years, it is a wonder that you may be one of those who keep wondering about your tomorrow. Therefore, people are working harder to keep their job. They strive to excel in order to make sure that the monthly bills are paid plus maybe a little extra for the luxury that one has got used to before this.

So, people are hurrying their steps to try to stay in the front and the management are laying down more and more expectations . . . you are stresssss………ed!


This will not only affect your mind (to think straight), body (to remain healthy-remember those gastric and indigestion-how long have you forgot to go to the toilet?), soul and spirit (skipping church and devotions and prayers and cell groups and . . . and . . .)

Recently I came across an article in the Readers’ Digest (March 2008) written by Ron Geraci on “Get a Grip” where he suggested some useful tips to manage some of the stress pertaining to emails, sms, voicemails and so on. I would like to share it here with you, hoping that through these suggestions, you may catch a glimpse of yourself and improve on your situation.

Eight Tips to Fight Info Overload:
1. Spot the signs – Feel alone even as you communicate with people all day? That’s a signal technology is dominating your life.

2. Take baby steps – Try being inaccessible for short spurts to see what happens. The world probably won’t explode.

3. Repeat these four words: “I have a choice.” People who say, “My boss wants me to be reachable after 8 pm” are likely exaggerating the control others have over them.

4. Set Limits – Rein in office email and instant message (sms) traffic. Who truly needs 35 daily FYIs on the outcome of a project?

5. Give clear instructions – Try an email signature that reads, “I answer email at 10am, 1 pm and 4 pm. If you need a quicker response, please call.”

6. Make a task list – If you’re interrupted, you’ll get back to work faster if you have a list of what needs to be done.

7. Stick to a schedule – Handle recreational Web surfing and email at set times. Dipping in and out is classic self-interruption.

8. Do a reality check – After five minutes of unplanned surfing, ask yourself, “Should I really be doing this now?”

As for your spiritual health, switch off all electronic devices when you are alone with Him and enjoy worshipping and praying without having being disturbed. You may feel a bit uncomfortable initially (because you think that you are indispensible), but when you actually set aside time to be with God, you can actually accomplish much more. We trust Him (right?)and we believe that He will be with us all the time (right?) and that whatever happen we shall always depend on Him (right?). So start living it out. I have a prayer that I always pray. This is found in one of the book mark that I received when I was a very young Christian and till today it has been my greatest encouragement. It says, “Nothing is going to happen today that YOU and I cannot handle together.” Have a Pleasant Day!