Three C's to avoid - Part 2

Comparing : 

Another C which we seem to be unable to avoid is the comparison bug. It is almost like a virus which is in the air. Many of us are comparing all the time - ourselves with those around us. It could be about anything - wealth, friends, physique, job, dogs, appliances etc. It gives us momentary pleasure when we see others in a worse situation than us and also give us sleepless nights when we see others enjoying more than us. Comparison is a never ending maze where people get lost and unable to recover their bearings. It is a method of inventing joy / sorrow out of nothing.

These three Cs are best avoided and conscious efforts taken to prevent ourselves from getting entrapped here. It would be a good idea to ask one of our close spiritual friends to help us in the process. If someone were to remind us each time we use these Cs, it will help us tremendously in making course corrections. 

Concluded

Three C's to avoid - Part 1

Peace of mind is something that we all crave for. We cannot achieve this state without putting effort. After all, peace of mind is not something that can be procured by spending money or by force. The mind needs to be balanced and in equilibrium before it can reach that state. For the mind to be balanced, we have several 'dos' and 'don’ts' to follow. Given below are three 'don’ts' which go a long way to achieve that state. They are described as the three Cs.

Criticizing : 

The first C is criticizing. It is one of the most natural talents that we all have. Our minds seem to be tuned to find fault and spot blemishes. Many a times, we see problems where none exist. It is as if our minds have the uncanny knack of identifying a problem. At the same time, our tongues are eager to let others know of our 'superiority' in being able to articulate those problems. When we criticize thus, unnecessarily, we are unknowingly building resistance as well as enemies. These lead to unwarranted arguments and attempts to prove a point. Moreover, our minds which get clouded in negativity refuse to let us reach the state of equilibrium.

Complaining : 

The other C is similar to the first C and yet more damaging. Complaining is taking criticism to a higher level and almost results in condemning others. As long as it is constructive in nature and comes with intent to resolve and rectify, it is still bearable. What takes the cake is complaining which sounds like whining. It is other extreme of appreciating. It creates a huge negative whirlpool from which we are unable to extricate ourselves. We also carry the feelings of hurt and annoyance in our minds which prevents us from experiencing bliss.

To Be Continued....

Stress And Its Effects !!

Today’s world is moving faster than ever! Every single minute of our lives is busy and engaged in all sorts of activities. We live, we eat, we work, we sleep, we talk and we read… and so on. Every individual’s life is revolving around some circles.  Those circles may be family, relationships, job, career, education and financial concerns. These circles are tied up so closely that sometimes it gets hard to even breathe! In such situations the word “stress” comes.

What is stress? One definition is: “Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. “Stress is something that needs to be dealt seriously. It has physical & mental symptoms. Effects vary from person to person. Mental symptoms include tension, exhaustion, irritation, mood-swings, out of focus, less or no sleep. Physical symptoms can be stomach problems, dry mouth/throat, breathing difficulties, stretched muscles and so on.

Each of our lives has some amount of stress that keeps us excited and focused but when this little amount exceeds, then it may harm our health and surroundings. At workplace, we often find ourselves in stressful situations. We are given very strict deadlines; in such case either the employee is energized or motivated and starts doing work right away! Or employee gets under-pressure which results in burnout.

We have found out about some bad effects and symptoms now we need to know how important is to prevent the stress getting hold of you! At workplace, there are demands, expectations and competition. You join office early, go home late and take work more than you can handle. So start with “saying No to your boss”  so that you take work which you can handle.

There are numerous stress management techniques available online. Listing here some of the most effective/easy ones:

• Spending time in nature

• Getting more peaceful sleep

• Engaging in hobby/interesting activities

• Exercises/yoga/ meditation

• Living in the moment

• Being active

• Avoid burnout/over- work/exhaustion

• Time management

In some organizations, in-house counselors are available with whom employees discuss their personal and professional concerns. In case of any pressure or problems with managers or peers, employees can write to them on confidential basis. After some standard processes and inquiries, appropriate actions are taken by top senior management.

Source : forum.abnet.net