Recently it has come to my attention that stress seems to be the big factor of the century. Everybody around me, including myself, seems to be bogged down in stress. We seem to be stressed about everything.
There are all kinds of ideas out there for ways to relieve stress. Doctors have their theory. The food industry has its theory. Physical education people have their theory and on and on and on.
It would stand to reason that pretty soon some form of this information would come to rest in my universe. It did, the other day, in the form of one of my nurse’s aides.
This particular lady is as smart as a whip and comes up with some pretty good ideas off the top of her head. This was cool enough for me to share with you. So as much as I would like to take the credit for this, I will have to bow to Deborah O’Rafferty.
Here it is: “A new way to relieve stress. Stand up straight and tall and take two long breaths in and let it out slowly. Now open your mouth and put your tongue on the back of your front teeth. Breath in and while breathing out make an nnnnnnnnnn sound. Relax your tongue. Take another breath in and while breathing out form your lips in an O position and make the sound of OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Now put the two sounds together. You will have nnnnnooooooooo.
Ever heard of the word before? Sure you have. We all have. We are just afraid to use it. The stress will fly away from you.” Thanks, Deborah.
Only use this method when you are feeling overwhelmed, overburdened or overpowered.
I would like to add this. WARNING! Be careful who you use this method on as it could backfire. The person you shared this method with might well try the “no” out on you. I speak from experience.
All kidding aside people, sometimes we just have to say no to people. Most people understand and if they don’t then they were not your friend to begin with and carry no human understanding. What good does it do for us to make ourselves physically sick because we cannot say a simple word like no.
I learned this concept a long time ago and try not to practice it too much but have done so when I have felt the need was there. I might add that when I say no, I do not let myself feel guilty about it. That is the key. Learn to say no when you need to and don’t feel guilty about it. Explain that your plate is full and move on. Things will get accomplished. You just might not be the one to do it.
I am well aware that some of you who are reading this might well disagree with what I have said. You may argue that too many people say no and not enough people say yes. You may be right.
I have not found that to be the case in my world. You are probably the ones feeling overburdened, overwhelmed and overpowered. From saying yes all the time I might add.
So whatever your preference is until next time remember these infamous words of Erma Bombeck:
“If life is just a bowl of cherries. Why am I in the pits?”
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