Ever feel like you're losing control? Those days when your boss wants the name, phone number, email and mailing address of that company that you did business with five years ago--and she wants it before lunch. Those days when your computer has crashed, the copier is out of toner, the phone company has just announced the phone lines will be down for three days, and you smell burnt coffee because the last one to drink coffee left the pot in the on position all day without any liquid in it.  Those days when you had a project due at 9:00 a.m. and your car ran out of fuel on the way to the office? Those days when your children fought all the way to school and you rammed into the back of the car in front of you, while in the car pool drop off line, only to find out that it’s the principal whom you already had to face due to a bad report from the teacher yesterday?

 
Does this sound like one of those days that desperately need to be controlled? Every person that has breath has experienced this type pressure and it usually comes out of nowhere and demand immediate attention. If you haven’t faced this type of pressure, live a few more days and you will!

I would like to share a few helpful tips on how to better organize your day and help you regain control in a healthy way.  By taking charge of areas where you have control, you'll put yourself in a better position to handle the others lesser important things.  Remember this, when you feel completely out of control, God is in perfect control. 



 
TIPS ON CONTROLLING STRESSFUL DAYS:

1. Start by giving Christ control of all you do! Control is not a self-produced behavior. God enables us to gain the needed control of our lives. Pray for His strength and wisdom every day.

2. Know how to say “NO”, and mean it. Most people perform jobs that never end and are never completed. You must decide what not to do. There will be times you will have to say no to certain people and to certain tasks. But saying no to lesser things enables you to say yes to greater things.

3. Determine your objectives then make a list of your priorities.  Having a plan will enable you to make the most effective use of your time. Rarely do we accomplish 100 percent of any plan, but 50 or 75 percent is better than 0 percent.

4. Group tasks together that are common. Group phone calls, computer time, correspondence and other tasks together. This will save you time and increase your efficiency.

5. Have a purpose in everything that you do. Ask a few hard questions: Will this activity help me perform my job? Does this project enable me, my company, or my family reach its objective or goal?

6. Ask for volunteers. A number of people can do several tasks, some can even do things better in certain areas. Recruiting additional help will save you time and expand your personal time. Ask volunteers to serve as receptionists to answer phone calls and greet visitors.  This simple action can enable you to engage in certain tasks that only you can do.

7. Take regular breaks. Consider the old wives tale, "If you do not take a break, you might just break." Several time-outs throughout the day as well as prayer time alone with the Lord, will enable you to gain more control.

There are many other ways to lighten your stress levels but the most important rule is to take time for your relationship with Christ Jesus and take time for yourself.  Seek out a way to make your day less cluttered, less stressful, and enjoy the fresh air.  Pray, run, walk, write, sing, hum, play with your kids, toss a ball with your puppy, bathe in time spent with the Lord.   Make yourself take a breather and just simply know that even if you are in control….God is still in control.

In Him,

Anita