MEANS OF COPING WITH DAILY PROBLEMS
Can you get a better grip on your job? Jobs are not tense;
people are. If your job is bothering you, it could be that you need to change
jobs. But it might well be that you need rather to try to reduce tensions by
changing your perspective in several ways: If you are under tension, an
ordinary workload may seem intolerable. Try tackling one thing at a time.
Dispose of urgent needs and the remaining workload may not seem so heavy.
Are
you too perfectionistic? Nothing is ever perfect, and letting you be driven by
an urge to perfection may only succeed in producing failure, frustration, and
tension. Seek diversion. It's no waste of time. Temporary respite in a book,
movie, game, or hobby will let you return to work better equipped to deal with
your problems.
Consider your relationships with others. Do some people rub you
the wrong way? Perhaps you are being influenced more by subjective feelings
than by any wrong done you. If you seem to be quarreling constantly with
people, it could be beneficial-in terms of better relationships and also in
terms of easing your own inner tension-if you give in occasionally, even when
you think you may be right. Don't take your work home if you can possibly help
it.
If you can't help it, put it away at least an hour before
bedtime. Relax to sleep well- and sleep well to be more relaxed. Fatigue is a
tension provoker. Talk out your tension-provoking problems. Talking over a
worrisome matter with a friend, a level-headed relative, or a clergyman can
relieve your strain and may help you put things in proper perspective.
Consider
well a familiar prayer based on wisdom: "God grant me the serenity to
accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and
wisdom always to tell the difference." Behind every accomplishment lies a
certain amount of discontent, frustration, and worry. But by failing to channel
these forces properly, some people let themselves be exhausted and made ill and
ineffective by them.
