Stress  Management Information

Spontaneous Play


"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing." -unknown

Spontaneous Play

The phone company has been working in our neighborhood installing new cables. Two weeks ago, during part of an early morning installation, they hit a major power line and cut power and phone service to 600 homes. The repair crew estimated that it would take two days to restore the power and phone service. I was in the middle of several large business projects. Since I office at home, my first thought when this happened was, "what can I do without access to my computer and emails?" I caught myself before I went too far down this path and shifted my focus to "what was the opportunity in this situation?"

Often what we label as problems are really opportunities. In the Chinese language the same character is used for both a crisis or problem and an opportunity. Another way of looking at this is different sides of the same coin. So when I "flipped" to the other side of the coin, I immediately saw this situation as an opportunity to play! It reminded me of the "snow days" we used to have in school; when we had an excuse not to go to school and instead we could play in the snow.

I really needed a break from the projects and with this spontaneous gift; I decided to fully enjoy myself. Instead of worrying about all the things I "should" be doing, I decided to listen to my heart. I took a long walk and then sat outside and finished a novel. I met a friend for a leisurely lunch and browsed stores that I had been wanting to explore. I purchased spontaneous gifts to surprise loved ones. By early evening the power was restored but not before I had experienced a wonderful, energizing day!

I learned two things from this day. The first was to quickly shift to see the opportunity in an apparent problem. The second was the benefit of spontaneous play. After the much needed break, I returned more creative and revitalized for my projects.

Where do you need a break in your life right now? Are there some opportunities disguised as problems? Look at something you are labeling as a problem right now. If you 'flipped the coin', what is the opportunity in the situation? Watch for the signs that your need a break: frustration, short-tempered, low energy, no motivation. What would happen to your outlook, creativity and energy if you had a day or hour to follow your heart? Think of something fun you would love to do if you had an unexpected break and then create one!

Vicki Miller Copyright July 2005

As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what's most important to them and prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Is Aromatherapy Helpful For Stress Management?
Times of the Internet, Ohio - Oct 11, 2008
Stress management is very important especially to those people who get stressed easily. Today, there are so many techniques of managing stress. ...


It's 'stress management training', not psycho tests for OFWs
ABS CBN News, Philippines - Oct 9, 2008
The training was earlier endorsed by De Castro to arm potential OFWs with the necessary skills and techniques on stress management before settling in ...


VP Noli wants free stress management training for OFWs
Balita.org, UK - Oct 9, 2008
MANILA, Oct. 9 — Vice President Noli de Castro on Thursday pushed for a free stress management training in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) to ...


Study Shows Beneficial Effects of Phosphatidylserine (PS) on ...
NPIcenter (press release), Canada - Oct 8, 2008
A study published today in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition proves that the consumption of a phosphatidylserine (PS) can help to ...


Relaxation and Stress Management Workshop starts Oct. 21
UST Bulletin Today, MN - Oct 7, 2008
Learn practical ways to relax and handle stress at the Relaxation and Stress Management Workshop from noon to 1 pm Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 21, ...


Norwich Union Risk Services

Stress management standards having little impact
Norwich Union Risk Services, UK - Oct 2, 2008
These are the working conditions which the HSE has been seeking to improve by means of employers implementing the stress management standards. ...


Stress management and relaxation workshop in Claremorris
Mayo Advertiser, Ireland - Oct 2, 2008
The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris will be the location for a lifeskills for stress management and relaxation workshop on Saturday October 11 from 10am ...


Classes offer compassion fatigue training, stress management
Alexandria Echo Press, MN - Sep 26, 2008
Fee for the Compassion Fatigue Training is $50 per participant and Basic Critical Incident and Stress Management is $100. Normal costs for enrollment are ...


MOPS learn stress management
Journal-Advocate, CO - Sep 26, 2008
... counselor with the RE-1 School District, spoke on handling the ups and downs of life’s adventure with stress management strategies. ...


Classes offer compassion fatigue training, stress management
Alexandria Echo Press, MN - Sep 26, 2008
Although we do not have any obligation to monitor this board, we reserve the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or ...

Stress-Management - Google News

home | site map
© 2006