Here is why I find this article especially interesting right
now: I am currently taking a science
class, Physical Geology, to be exact. This class is the second most stressful
class I have taken in my many years of taking classes.
There is a quiz in this class every single week. There are
four exams including a midterm and a final. I have cried in this class on two
occasions. My Professor is excellent. She has taught this material for years
and she is PASSIONATE about it.
She has asked me on two occasions, what she can do to make
the class more fun and less stressful. Both times, I replied, "Take away
the tests." The truth is, this class would actually be fun, if I could just
relax and not worry about memorizing everything.
My pattern:
Study…stress…quiz…stress…study…stress…test…stress. Repeat.
My Professor told me that there was NO WAY I could fail my
class if I showed up every week and did the work. I decided that I needed to
believe her.
I admit I am a student that likes to carry a 4.0 GPA. But I
am also a person that feels stress in my body in the form of pain. I don't like
pain. A couple of weeks ago, I was in so much pain that I put my books away for
four straight days and concentrated on yoga, meditation and relaxing.
I created a new pattern:
Study…believe…relax…quiz…study…believe…relax…test.
Repeat.
Nothing has changed EXCEPT for the way I look at it. I am
in charge either way. I feel better; no pain.
I leave the quizzes and the tests for "future" Brenda. I don't carry the worry around with me. Today I may need to study or I may be done studying. The Brenda who shows up for the test will be prepared. I don't need to worry. The work is always done.
When I read this article, I recognized myself in it. I know others who would benefit from a little re-framing. I believe it's totally worth it.
How to Reframe Your Stress & Anxiety Into Productivity
In love & light,
Brenda
