Late Summer Stress Management

19th August, 2011 - Posted by L. John Mason -

In the Northern Hemisphere, Summer is beginning to show signs of winding down. Sure there are still major heat waves to deal with and hurricane season is just starting but many people are beginning to think that the time for Summer relaxation and rest is nearly, or completely, over. The next season is Fall. Autumn is a time of major transitions and after 60 years I have had my share of past traumas that I have experienced. Perhaps you have your own list of transitions that have come with your past experience of Fall.

Most of us have had change due to starting or re-starting school in August or September. I have had moves associated with September. For me, relationships have started or ended in the Fall. September 11^th occurred 10 years ago this September and my mother passed away the night before on September 10^th, 2001. My wife’s illness has had us in the hospital in Falls past. I have started jobs in past Falls with all the lifestyle changes that surround new employment. My birthday happens almost every October and though most of these have been mild in emotional drama, I seem to be sensitive to change in the weeks before and after my birthday date. So, for me, sensitive emotional scars are associated with the September-October time frame.

We can not undo our past history. We have to learn to accept past traumas and move on to our current and future goals. BUT, there are anniversary times from years past that can take their toll and we must learn to not be emotional victims to our past. (Easier said than done…)

Stress management and basic healthy choices can help us survive these more difficult times, but will not take all of our sensitivity to past events away. Awareness and a positive perspective can help, but is not always as easy as it sounds. Good interactions with HEALTHY friends or family can make these times more bearable. The lesson that I have learned is that I can be more sensitive for about 6 weeks at this time of year AND I should not take on any unnecessary activities or expect that I will not suffer from my past emotional ghosts. I will tread carefully, as if “walking on egg shells.” My family has been warned that I may not as even tempered as I usually am.

So what about you? What are your past emotional ghosts that haunt you in the Fall? How will you take GOOD care of yourself to better tolerate your sensitivities? How will you lower your expectations of your personal performance but not be a “victim” to the transitions of the Fall?

Along your path through life remember to celebrate your memories, even the tough ones, as these are the important lessons that we must learn from in this life… Keep your eyes and your heart open to these lessons even if they feel painful of difficult. And, if at all possible, do not let Ovarian Cancer hurt you or your loved ones…

If you require suggestions for appropriate stress management consider: Autogenic Training, Visualization, meditation, or consulting with a stress management professional for coaching. More information is available at www.dstress.com.