Today I’m feeling annoyed as, once again, any plans for the next few weeks such as kids birthdays, school holidays and work have been thrown out the window by government restrictions and all that goes with that.
However, upon some contemplation I have determined that feeling annoyed is a waste of mental and emotional energy. Any angst can be better channelled into more productive pursuits and mindsets which will take us forward, rather than keep us stuck in negativity and feeling powerless.
So here are some keys on what to do when you are feeling annoyed:
Breathe – Inhale and count to three, hold your breath for a second and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat three times.
Time Out – when you are feeling frustrated with a project, situation you are facing, or those around you, instead of getting more and more annoyed choose to take a break. Walk away for a minute, take a few moments to yourself, listen to some music, pray, and find something that helps calm you down.
Do some physical activity – research shows that exercise is good for your mental health and releases the stress that you are holding in your body.
Choose gratefulness – Gratitude is powerful so write down and remind yourself of all that you do have going for you and what God has done
Create your mood – Control your inputs. Turn off your notifications, skip watching the news feed, and get your surroundings in order. Create a playlist of songs you love, change up the lighting and your surrounding to prosper and soothe your soul.
Reframe your negative grumpy thoughts to ones’ where you are looking for the good and positives in the situations around you. Ask God to help you see the opportunities and how he is going to work all things together for your good.
Set some goals – take some time to dream and set some goals. Goals help us refocus, give purpose, and perspective. Set yourself a project and a time to complete it and do what you can to move forward and achieve it and trust God with the rest.
Have a chat – Talk to someone who you know will listen, better still if that someone makes you laugh.
Hug someone. Physical touch releases oxytocin – the feel-good hormone and when we show physical affection it reminds us who and what is important.
Pray and spend time with Jesus. He makes everything make sense and holds all things together.
And remember that whatever is annoying you today its highly likely you will not remember in 20 years’ time what was annoying you so much today. Keep perspective, look to Jesus, and create the day you want rather than be a victim of your circumstances.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov 15:4)
“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Prayer: Lord thank you for the potential of the day. Please help me not to be annoyed but to focus on the things i can do something about and to leave the rest with you to work out. In Jesus name Amen.
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