How to Overcome Stress & Have More Fun or

 Winning in Turbulent Times…

 

My family went white water rafting last week on the nearby Ocoee River. (We went to a place called Adventures Unlimited – and I highly recommend them!)

 

Anyway, I realized that plunging yourself and your loved ones through dangerous class III and class IV rapids can create stress. You can also consider it a good stress  – like we did, which equals huge pleasure. What is the difference between good stress and bad stress anyway? I am convinced it lies in the way we look at the event.

Sometimes life itself becomes turbulent, like a crazy river ride. But here are some keys to thriving in turbulent times.

1.Get a guide:

This is No Brainer Number 1. No one in their right mind would try to take on something totally new or important to them without a guide. Our rafting guide was a darling girl who looked and talked like celebrity chef Rachel Ray. (with muscles) Believe me, we did everything she commanded, and were better off for it.

 2. Prepare for turbulence ahead of time:

Obviously, the time to prepare for challenges is before they hit. Whether you’re navigating white water, a rocky moment in your marriage, a rough patch in your career or a challenge in your health, you will find preparation is key. Before we hit the water, we all got in our boat on dry land and practiced what could come next. We learned how to lean in, power forward, and get down. We especially learned what to do if tossed from the raft.  When the pressure is on, there’s no time to think, only time to do what you’ve practiced.

 3. Apply Positive Pressure:

When rapids are crashing hard around your raft, the best way to stay in the boat is to apply your own pressure against it. In times like this on the Ocoee, our guide would yell “Forward two” Which meant all six of us were to lean forward hard, put our ores in the water and pull back hard. Then we’d do it again. The power came from our pressure. You have an inward strength as well, during times of pressure. Use it to move forward and if at all possible, do it with a team.

 4. Get Your Team:

This plays right into the previous tip. When applying internal pressure against the storms or waves against you, it helps immensely to have a team around you. Gather your support circle and get on the same page for victory. This can be family, a mastermind group, a literal team. Please guard yourself against becoming isolated when the tough times come.

 5. Celebrate and Have Fun

When we first started rafting, my gaze was so fixed on my two sons’ ores in front of me for my rhythm, that I almost missed the magic of the whole event. When you are navigating your terrain, don’t get myopic about the challenge at hand. Look up and widen your view. You’ll be surprised that the present moment contains all kinds of goodness. You may see sunshine, stunning landscapes, the sound of people laughing and enjoying life. That’s all there for you. Join in the vitality – and celebrate each rapid that you come through – even if you were tossed for a moment and had to get rescued. We’re never more alive, than right before we think we’re dead!

When you learn to enjoy the challenges, the teamwork and the present moment, you’ll realize that you’re stronger than you ever thought.  I know you can make it in any turbulent times.