Michaela’s Muses: Stress

There are many claimed ways to deal with stress, but not all of them seem to do the trick, do they?

There’s always the suggestions for how to deal with it, but what actually works? I can only tell you what works for me. Of course, what works for me may not work for you.

As a graduated college student and full-time journalist, stress is like a pet to me at this point. It is always there, and it can be a pain if I let it be.

That’s the key, though. Stress will get the best of you — if you let it.

For me, stress comes to me in random bouts throughout the year. It is usually unplanned and exhausts me entirely. I could tell you that a trip to the spa would solve all your problems, but I would be lying.

No. What helps me doesn’t come in a package and doesn’t cost very much to do.

Writing comes to me naturally. It always has. Ever since I started having thoughts and feelings, I would write it down. That has evolved into me keeping a journal today.

I have always thought that if I can write down what I am feeling and identify the cause of my stress, then I can just as easily deal with it. I feel like if it is written down, it doesn’t have as much power over me.

Sometimes just writing what I am feeling helps me calm down.

My stress usually stems from my anger. As most people have probably known for a while, anger can be dangerous, especially to yourself.

I adore my family and friends. I am grateful that they listen to my rants when I have them. But sometimes they can’t help me calm down. Writing it down is a way I can talk myself through something. It can help me figure out a solution sometimes too.

Am I a modern day Bridget Jones? No, I don’t think so. I’m not British, for one thing, and, second, I don’t write about just my love life. Luckily that is the one area in my life that is stress-free.

It is important to remember to write down the good stuff that happens, too. I suggest keeping a journal even if it’s just small things to write about. I have some family that write poems, songs or sometimes they draw.

A journal can be a place to put passion into. Who knows? Some people might just get inspired.