Today's article is going to be quick, because I'm about to take my hopefully un-leaky tires on the road in a few minutes to head out for a holistic fair in Minneapolis this weekend. (At the Earl Brown Center -- stop by and say "hi" if you're in the areas!)
Anyway, I just wanted to share a little analogy you might find helpful in distinguishing the difference between Stress Management (a temporary quick fix which is, of course, sometimes necessary) and Resolving Stress (which hopefully gets to the bottom of things so you can move on.
Stress management is kind of like putting a shot of air into a leaky tire...
You know the scenario. You're on your way somewhere important. Usually when this happens to me, I'm heading to work. You boogie on out to the car to be merrily on your way when, horror of horrors, you discover you've got a low tire.
Not dead flat.
Just low.
So you either ... grab the air compressor or head to the gas station ... and give it a quick shot of air. Problem solved! For now.
But what do you find yourself doing the whole rest of the day? Checking it. Running in to the next gas station, perhaps, to get another shot. It's a constant nag. Seems like you can hardly wait to have the half hour (or so) you expect it will take to drop by the tire place and get the darned thing fixed for good so you can free up that brain space -- and energy -- for other stuff.
Same thing with stress management. You have a doozey of a day and finally crawl home. All you can think of is putting your feet up for a couple hours, maybe grab a sip of tea or watch something on the tube, maybe listen to some music or soak in a warm tub. Whatever you do most naturally to relax. Problem solved, for now.
But what caused the stress? Did you get to the root of the problem, or is there a "cause" lurking in the background somewhere that's likely to rear its ugly head again soon? If so, you're sure to be watching for it. Just like you watched that sagging tire.
Much as getting a flat tire fixed frees up a lot of energy from being spent on babying a slow leak, resolving your stress at its source frees up energy for more profitable adventures as well.
Speaking of which ... have you seen my new Stress Solved tips booklet? It's chock full of 42 top tips to get to the bottom of your stress-makers and take them out once and for all. Check it out!
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
Take our free Less Stress; More Time mini-course!
