There’s a high probability that if we have too much stress in our lives, it’s time to look in the mirror! Usually it is our own responses that contribute the most to our stress levels. Here are some examples: 

• Demanding perfectionism. If we want everything to be perfect all the time, we’re making a deal with misery because we’ll be focused far too much on what’s going wrong versus what’s going right. 

• Rigidity—that “my way or the highway” attitude—works very well for ruining a day. Not only will others feel the pressure of your demands, your own blood pressure will skyrocket also.

• Worry about what you can’t control. Traffic, others, store lines—complain about them, get wound up, rant—and you’ll win the prize for ruining the mood.

• Overbook. On any day, be sure to add more to the agenda than can possibly be completed! This will add stress and agitation and likely help others feel the same way, too.

• Take everything you hear personally. Let yourself be super-sensitive. Assume that every frown, delay and remark is somehow directed at you.

• Forget your sense of humor. Treat everything that happens as a matter of life and death. Be sure to let everyone know what you think is not funny. Including this article—which is written tongue-in-cheek! Because I know for sure we are too smart to want to ruin our days! 

Let’s release the desire to be perfect; practice flexibility; stop worrying about what we can’t control; respect the hours in a day; understand that sometimes others just can’t get out of their own ways and things happen in life that are not intended to be personal affronts to us—and most importantly: Allow yourself to smile and laugh! 

I’m @DianGriesel aka a perception analyst & strategist; creative attitude disrupter & adjuster; author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook & TurboCharged: The Silver Disobedience Edition; and the blogger & model known as @SilverDisobedience  More info on my websites (search my name) and at Wilhelmina Models. Silver Disobedience® is a Registered Trademark.