More Than You Think

How has your week been? Mine's a bit crazy and it's beginning to feel like some things are spiraling out of control.

Ever feel like that? Well, not to worry because that's exactly what we're tackling in this week's?SWAGGER Sense.?

I've noticed a few things about myself lately. I can get a bit frazzled when things aren't working.

Perhaps it's my perfectionist tendencies, but when things don't work the way they're supposed to, I find that my fuse is much shorter, I get cranky, and feel much more on edge.?

So, my laptop has stopped communicating with my monitor. It just decided to work whenever it wants to which is not very often. I got a new cord, as well as a new monitor, and nothing is working.?Now, I've even ordered a new laptop.?

I was making dinner the other night and the shaker top of one of the spices I was using had holes far too big to be effective for shaking and the spice was just clumping up instead of falling evenly over the food.?

Those a just a few of the things that have been happening lately. I know these seem like such trivial things, but when things keep piling up, even the smallest thing can set you off.?

I've noticed?an interesting behavior pattern when life starts to feel like it's getting out of control and/or there are too many things happening that I don't feel like I can control.??

I clean things around the house. I organize. I wash and iron the sheets. Yes, I actually iron sheets. I know it sounds crazy, but the feel of the crisp sheets is so worth it.?

So, why am I doing these things? Well, when we feel like we've lost control in other places, we tend to exert control where we can.

It certainly helps me feel better about things when I'm able to accomplish something. I need that feeling of satisfaction and that I've done something worthwhile.?

So, I'm curious. What do you do when things feel like they're out of control??

This has come up a lot in my conversations with people lately.?

Some people find themselves, rearranging all the toys in their kid’s bedroom. Throwing themselves into a project at work, not being able to stop until they finish. Lining up things on the shelves, or organizing the pantry.

What about you? Write to me and let me know. I'd love to hear about what you notice.?

Regardless of what your tendencies are. We have much more control than we think.?

When things feel a bit out of control elsewhere in life, here are some things we can do to remind ourselves of how much we still have control over.?

1. Focus on your breath

• We can control how fast or slow and how deep or shallow our breath is.?
• Spend a few minutes in a quiet place and simply focus on controlling your breath.
• Try to inhale for 6 to 10 seconds and exhale for 6 to 10 seconds.
• Try to take breaths that fill your lungs in the front, side, and back planes of the body.?
• Set a timer and spend about two minutes just manipulating your breath.?

2.?Channel your thoughts

• We can choose what we'd like to focus on.
• Spend a few minutes focusing your mind on different things.
• You can focus on sound, sight, touch, etc.?
• Set a timer for two minutes and channel your thoughts.? For sound, close your eyes and simply listen to what you hear around you. When you hear a sound, name that sound. If you hear a car outside, say to yourself, car.? For sight,?scan your surroundings and label everything you see. Describe what you see with the most detail you can including color, texture, pattern, etc.? For touch, close your eyes and place your fingertips on some objects near you. Identify what you feel, the texture, the temperature, etc.?

When you're able to remind yourself that there are so many things you still have control over, it gives you a greater sense of confidence that you can manage the challenges you're facing in other areas where you feel less in control.?

Give these a try and let me know how they help you.?

Let's all remember that we have much more control than we think sometimes!

Jennifer?

P.S. If you like these practical tips, you'll love the activities and daily reinforcements in Claim Your SWAGGER. Make sure to get your copy today. Learn to step up and become the leader of your life. You'll find that you have so much more control than you can even imagine.?