If you want to reduce stress in relationships, focus on collaboration rather than domination. Dominating another person may feel good, but think of the effect it has on the other person—as well as on yourself. Just as no one likes to be told what to do, no one likes to be dominated. In addition, domination is a close cousin of stress because it raises a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. In contrast to dominating someone, when you aim at collaboration, stress is reduced and relationships improve. A simple approach to begin the collaboration process is by asking the other person’s opinion. The technique is amazingly simple and so effective. Another simple approach is to ask for the
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Forgetting what you don’t need reduces stress because it relieves anxiety, tension, and frustration. When you decide to buy all new furniture, what do you do? You probably get rid of most of your old furniture. Otherwise, there won’t be room for the new. The same thing is true of new ideas and new ways of doing things. Getting rid of negative and outdated thoughts prompts your thinking towards the new. Stress is reduced when negative stuff is removed from your thinking Watch Now
READ MORE >>> →Preview: “How is offering choices teaching children that there are some things in life they have to do regardless of their mood or sense of power like bathing, attending school, later holding a job, being responsible for themselves when their choices are limited? If everything become negotiable, if they think they will always have choices, what happens when sometimes in real life there are few or no choices, or they don’t like any of the choices?” Everyone makes choices every awake moment. We make a choice to get out of bed in the morning—or stay in bed, what we eat—or not eat, to brush our teeth—or not to, what to say—or don’t say, etc. Choices are always available, although the
READ MORE >>> →I often say that doling out student awards and rewards is counterproductive. However, I must also say that I don’t condemn ALL student awards and rewards. Allow me to explain. As a former instructional coordinator, I have come to the conclusion that awards ceremonies are counterproductive for LEARNING—especially when so many young people never find themselves in the winner’s circle and would therefore prefer to drop out rather than compete. When it comes to learning, collaboration is much more effective. When people collaborate, they do not compete. However, as a former high school athletic coordinator, I do believe in award ceremonies for athletics and other competitive activities such as spelling bees, high school band competitions, and academic decathlons THAT ARE
READ MORE >>> →The concept of compartmentalizing is useful for stress management and for reducing fear, anxiety, and tension. This concept is also useful for compartmentalizing emotions. If you feel stressed out, consider the technique of compartmentalizing to relieve your stress. Just as a train, submarine, and ship have different compartments, so can the mind. You can reduce your stress if you compartmentalize your negative thoughts. Watch Now
READ MORE >>> →Renewing a driver’s license can be stressful! When you need to renew your driving license, it’s smart to make an appointment ahead of time with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). At least this is the case in California, where I reside. Having an appointment will reduce your stress. But this is only the beginning of my experience, which I share with you for your benefit. California and other states in the USA now offer two types of driver’s licenses: one for the state only and one that qualifies for federal identification—including airline security. Before you apply for a new driver’s license or for a license renewal, review this information to reduce your stress and frustration. Assumptions Lead to Stress
READ MORE >>> →Did you know that the more effort you put in your work will directly effect your stress, satisfaction, and quality of your work? High quality work reduces anxiety and stress. Follow the general principle of high quality of work in writing. Simply stated, the first draft should never be considered the final draft. Watch Now
READ MORE >>> →You are influencing others every day, whether you realize it or not. Some of the most important people you influence are children. Your children and students see and hear everything you do, and it shapes their outlook on the world. What influence are you spreading to the youth of today? Consider this true story: Charles Adams was the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain during the Lincoln Administration. He always kept a journal and taught his son, Brooks, to keep a daily journal as well. When Brooks Adams was eight years old, he wrote in his diary: “Went fishing with my father, the most glorious day of my life.” During the next 40 years, Brooks referred to that day in his
READ MORE >>> →Do you have a low tolerance for frustration? Does it prompt you to get angry and quickly stressed out? You aren’t alone; it’s human nature to become infuriated and stressed when engaging in stressful situations. If you feel stress in these situations and have a very difficult time taking things in stride, stick around to learn a few approaches that will help curb your anger and frustration. Frustration, anger, and stress diminish when implementing a strategy. Watch Now
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READ MORE >>> →When implementing the Discipline Without Stress system, some teachers initially struggle. They are so used to using a rewards- or consequences-based system that trying something new feels awkward. Even though they know deep down that rewards and punishments don’t work, they have little experience with other options, and as such, they revert to their past ineffective ways. Making matters more difficult is the fact that many teachers are mandated to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The question then is, “How can you use DISCIPLINE WITHOUT STRESS while at the same time implementing PBIS?” Here is my advice. First, there is nothing in PBIS that mandates the teacher must give the rewards. Have the students perform the task. When the
READ MORE >>> →Is it generally difficult for you to make a decision? Do you feel stress? How do you feel when you are confronted with a particularly hard one to make? Making tough choices can be stressful—but worry not! It is possible to reduce stress and anxiety while solving problems and making difficult decisions. Success in almost any undertaking requires that you engage in risk-taking. Watch Now
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As you’ve undoubtedly noticed, no two children (or adults for that matter) are the same. Each individual, young or old, views the world differently, interacts with others in a distinctive way, and processes information uniquely. Differences are good. It would be boring if everyone acted, behaved, and thought the same way. But sometimes, interacting with people who are vastly different from you (as with many parent/child relationships) can be stressful. Noticing behavioral styles among people is nothing new. The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung was the first to categorize behavioral styles. Jung postulated that every individual develops a primacy in one of four major behavioral functions: intuiting, thinking, feeling, and sensing. If you and your child operate from different behavioral styles,
READ MORE >>> →This stress tip is about how to reduce your stress when you are attempting something new. When you attempt to accomplish something and it doesn’t work or go your way, do you feel stressed, mentally beat yourself up, or simply want to give up? This stress-relieving tip will show you how your errors can actually lead to success. Stress is reduced when you do not fear errors. Instead, think of the attempt as a learning opportunity. Watch Now
READ MORE >>> →A number of experts in sales emphasize the importance of building relationships for achieving success. Such an approach also makes interactions with others less stressful. Here is a classic from Ed Oakley’s “Enlightened Leadership.” There is a famous story about a life insurance company. The salespeople went through the training program and were very successful for about 18 months. After 18 months, their sales dropped off. The company made quite an intensive investigation as to the reason. They found that the people followed the training approach of the company, which was to ask questions. Using this approach, the salespeople not only got to know financial problems and concerns, but also something about the people themselves. The questioning approach led to
READ MORE >>> →We may create unnecessary mental stress when we engage in an activity simply because we feel it is our obligation to do so. Here is a way you can use to manage stress in such a situation. Not engaging in unnecessary obligations can reduce stress. My friend, Gene Griessman, an expert in time management, articulated this to me. Watch Now
READ MORE >>> →Always encourage children and students to look to themselves to solve problems, rather than relying on others. This is critical because many well-meaning parents and teachers too often do things for children that they could and should be doing themselves. Never take on a young person’s problems if he or she is capable of meeting the challenge. The reason is that every time you solve a problem for someone who is capable of solving the problem without you, you are depriving the person of an opportunity to become more responsible. In addition, the person misses the satisfaction that arises from success. As it has been aptly said, “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some
READ MORE >>> →If someone does you wrong, how do you feel? Stressed? Angry? Distraught? Hateful? Does the word “revenge” come to mind? Find out why revenge, although a natural emotion, is counterproductive. Making enemies is very common in human relations. Very few people will live their entire lives without making some “enemies.” Forgiving enemies is very difficult for many people. Watch Now
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