Problems Cause Worry & Stress

 Often times I have a problem that is stressing me out. I worry over it constantly. Especially if it is a very serious problem. Though aren't all problems serious? It takes up my whole day and I go to sleep with it on my mind. Some problems are the type you really can't do anything about. They take time to resolve themselves. Besides I can't change the outcome of it no matter what I do or don't do. So instead of wasting time with worry I am becoming more productive. I pray about my problem whatever it is then let God take over from there. He knows what he is doing.

Some problems have a way of working themselves out on their own. I will worry and worry and then some time later the problem is gone. If I forget about it because it is not so prevalent at the moment I realize it is not important any longer. I like that type of problem. Wish they all were like that. Life will always have problems that stress you out. Stress is the worst thing for your health. What are you going to do? For me the answer is to keep busy. When I am busy doing things I don't worry so much. So that is what I am doing.  My problems are not so bad compared to the problems others have.  

Keto Chow Apple Pie Ice Cream

Being a carb addict and emotional eater is a big problem if you are dealing with problems in your life. I have learned that using food to soothe your state of mind is not going to solve anything. I no longer snack or binge on anything. Not even ice cream, which was always my go to in those cases. If I want ice cream, I plan for it in advance. I use Keto Chow meal replacement shakes for ice cream. I can eat the whole pint of ice cream for one of my meals and it is okay. It is more than okay since it is a healthy alternative. Keto Chow has a really good taste so it does not have that "diet" taste that most low calorie or low fat ice creams have. Plus it is better for you. It is my belief that if you or someone you love or care for is still drinking Ensure or Boost, then it is time to change that. I spent many years working as a CNA and seeing what is in those drinks is scary!

One way I cope with my problems is by listening to music. It really does help. I like to color in adult coloring books while the music is playing. It gives me that time to think and reflect on whatever is troubling me. Sometimes I make problems out of things that are not my problems at all. My mother told me not to worry about something until there was something to worry about! Boy, that sure is the truth. Wasting all that time and becoming stressed over situations that never happen. I see a lot of people are doing that. Worrying and stressing, that is. Usually about things in the news. That is the media's intention. 

  

In the park!

Living in an apartment building for seniors and disabled as I do now, I see a lot of people get upset by rumors that get passed from one person to another. Just like the old telephone game. It gets worse and worse as it is passed along. People make assumptions based on how a prospective tenant dresses or looks. Nobody takes it into account what that person's financial situation, illness or disability is. I looked a sight myself till I got moved in and was able to have my hair cut and new clothing. 

Copyright © 2023 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2023  Kathleen G. Lupole

Problems and Worries

I belong to a number of forums. They are not all homesteading ones. So there is a different mix of people and lifestyles. One thing about this winter that I have noticed is that it seems to be a hard one all over. I have been asked to pray for more people and more situations than ever before. It seems that more troubles seem to be the norm. Instead of logging on to read of good news in my online friends' lives, I read of depression due to some problem in their lives, illness or illness of a family member or friend, lost of job, not able to find a job, lost of a spouse, financial problems, etc.

Makes me wonder if it has always been like that. Or is it just being on the internet, and expanding my friend network includes so many more people? That means that at all times there will always be some having major problems at any given time. All you can do is to offer up prayers for their situation and know it is heard. I have had my share of problems over the years and have received many prayers answered.

So what are some things you can do to relieve the depression while waiting for your prayers to be answered? I am the type of person who usually tries to stay "up." It is not a hardship for me to be that way, since I am more like my father in that way.

These are things that help me stay in a positive frame of mind, even when those I am closest too are miserable, depressed and grouchy:

• Keep a sense of humor! Humor is a big thing in my family. My parents were always joking with each other and anyone else who came into their home. Even when my mother was crippled and not able to do physical things anymore, she still had her sense of humor. 
• Eat well! Make some good food. Sometimes I will have someone say they are not hungry and picking at their food as part of their down mood. I will go to work in my kitchen and make something that will cook or bake for hours, simmering slowly, filling the house with smells that will keep your stomach grumbling all day. Soon they will be wanting a little to eat, then taking second helpings and more. Food is good for the heart!
• Take a walk outside! Living in the state forest land makes it easy for me and my husband to leave our troubles behind and go out into the natural world for an hour or so every day if needed. Nothing clears my mind better than getting out among the trees and plants of the forest. Listening to the birds, seeing the sun shine in the trees or even the snow on the branches of the pines. 
• Listen to some music! Music is good for the soul. I love to put a cd in my computer that has good memories for me. I love all kinds of music so I can pick just about anything. Music from the 60's takes me back to FL where I grew up and brings good memories of a better day and time. 
• Read a book! I am an avid reader. Every night before I go to sleep I read for a couple of hours. But if I am upset about something, I can pick up a book and read and it takes my mind away from what is troubling me. If someone else is upset, like my husband, I will choose a book that will have a message I want him to hear. From the Bible, to business books, to books about people who have faced similar problems, etc.........many times I will just start reading aloud and it seems to quiet him, almost like a child hearing a story read aloud at bedtime. 
• Hug a horse! Or a dog, cat or a red hen. This works for me but not for a person who is not into animals. My husband would not be doing this on purpose. Now me...............going out to the barn and telling my horses all my torments of the day is nothing unusual. They really listen to me too.

These are just a few different things I use to relieve depression or what I call "grouchy husband syndrome" (can be interchanged with "grouchy son syndrome" or whoever is in the syndrome at that time). Do you have certain things you do to help yourself or others through problems that can't be solved right away?

Copyright © 2011  Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2011  Kathleen G. Lupole