Resist trying to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our influence— particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things we can control such as the way we choose to react to problems. No matter how difficult our circumstances are, let’s count the blessings. When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. If our own poor choices contributed to a stressful situation, reflect on them and learn from our mistakes.
Share your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a therapist. Expressing what you’re going through can be very beneficial, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.
Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on. Take steps to increase our family’s emotional wellness in stressful times; improving opportunities to strengthen relationships, provide quiet time that is age appropriate for each family member, being a positive influence on our children.
Step Six; Address the practical issues of Life. We can also prevent ourselves from getting into an overwhelmed state (where we're more reactive to stress) by maintaining some regular stress relief activities as part of our schedule. Studies show that those who meditate regularly are less reactive to stressors that occur in their lives.
Watch minimal news, and not in the presence of children. Provide an environment of emotional safety. Children absorb the stress and chaos of the news and adult conversations even when they appear to be busy with other things. Carefully reserve all conversations regarding finances and the recession to when the children are not present, regardless of their age.
Decrease time the TV and electronics are on in the home, and provide relational activities such as craft projects, picture albums, board games or interactive games such as Cranium or Charades. Economically these activities may replace costly forms of entertainment. Fight a mediocre family life, quality time is not determined by finances.
Re-discover relationships with walks, picnics, BBQ beach, scavenger hunts or outdoor games. Note that many family moments, even the trials, become cherished memories when our children leave home. They are emotional heirlooms. Some individuals reduce stress by;
* Spending time in nature * Calling a good friend * Regular exercise * Write in your journal * Take a long bath, Light scented candles * Meet a friend for coffee or tea * Enjoy pets and nature, work in your garden * Get a massage, or Curl up with a good book * Listen to music or watch a comedy
. * Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.
* Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.
* Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself. The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. - Kahlil Gibran,” 1883-1931.

Marta Hatter, LCSW. revelationcounseling.com

Author's Bio: 

I'm Marta Hatter, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Certified Therapist in private practice in Irvine, California. Revelationcounseling.com. My goal is to share in the counseling success of my clients by providing quality professional services to equip them for challenging life events, and to encourage healing and personal growth. Therapy can result in numerous benefits, including improving interpersonal relationships and resolution of the specific concerns that led an individual, couple or family to seek help. Families and individuals deserve ethical solutions to serious issues.
One of the greatest gifts we can give others is ourselves. We offer consolation and comfort, especially in moments of crisis. Receiving is an art. It means allowing others to become part of our lives. It means daring to become interdependent. Let us be good receivers, and give of ourselves as well.
Treatment is based on a psycho-social assessment, diagnostic criteria, and an Object Relations orientation. Therapy techniques will vary as clinically appropriate. Examples include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral therapy, trauma treatment including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing/EMDR, Play Therapy with children, and Family Therapy.
Marta Hatter, LCSW. Revelationcounseling.com