9 Simple Tools to Manage Stress and Rise Above the Chaos

I’m grateful I have a job. I’m working harder than I ever have before. I’m starting a new job. How am I going to teach my kids while retaining my job? Who should I vote for? I should be eating better. Does my boss appreciate me? I hope I don’t get COVID. How does this work? I can't process any more information. I want to keep my family safe. Will I be able to keep my business going? How do I talk to my children about this? How am I going to pay? Will this pandemic ever end? I’m so tired.

If you can relate to any of the above, you are in the same boat as so many of us trying to navigate through these challenging and odd times. Entrepreneur and business coach C.J. McClanahan, a self-described recovering overachiever, has assembled simple tools to help you manage stress and rise above the chaos. He shared this insight at the recent YP Summit, but his message is beneficial to everyone!

	Focus what is under your control When you are worrying about this or that; ask yourself, “Can I control it?” If the answer is no, let it go. About 75% of the things we worry about, we have absolutely no control over.
	Focus on the next eight hours The majority of our stress comes from things in our past or what we anticipate in the future. Ask yourself, “What can I do about it in the next eight hours?” If you can do nothing about it, let it go. While McClanahan is not saying to bury your head in the sand and not plan or think strategically, he is simply reminding you to not obsess over tomorrow , next month or a year from now. He points out that tactics one and two are the foundational tools to relieving stress and managing chaos, likely reducing 95% of your stress.
	Reduce information You have to limit the amount of news and information you are absorbing every day. He suggests looking at your one or two favorite news outlets and social media sites for 20 minutes each day; first in the morning, and then perhaps check again at noon or in the evening.
	Plan your day in advance Your goal professionally is to be as productive as possible; not to outwork everyone else. Ask yourself the question, “What is the most important thing I must get done before the end of the day?” He recommends that you concentrate on up to three critical items. Keeping disciplined will generate momentum for you. Embrace what you will not get done today. It’s okay!
	Keep your routine Your brain is starving for normality, and keeping up a routine assists with this. If you would normally leave the office at 5:30 and drive home, but you are working remotely; then turn off the laptop around that same time as well.
	Smile Data shows that when you smile, it tricks your brain into thinking everything is okay. Try to get in the habit of waking up and smiling right away. Negativity is contagious; so is positivity—smile! Think it. Fake it. It still works! It will make you feel better.
	Exercise Exercise reduces your stress by releasing endorphins, which make you feel better. Get the body moving three to five days a week. It doesn’t matter what kind of activity or for how long, just get moving.
	Give generously Ask yourself, “Who can I help today? Who could use a kind word?” Giving in a meaningful way reduces stress and decreases anxiety. McClanahan says “giving” will make you feel better.
	Forgive yourself fast Stop beating yourself up. When you make a mistake, forgive yourself fast. Perfection can be your enemy.