October 15, 2018
How to Cope With Stress – The CPR Method – Part 2
Written by Alex Thompson
The P in the CPR Method
In part 1 of How to Cope with Stress – The CPR Method, we discussed the C in CPR which stands for contain. Now we are back to discuss the letter P.
While living a fast-paced life, it is so incredibly important to look within and find ways to slow down and remain in control. There are times when tensions run high, but it is important to find it in yourself to remain peaceful. This is the second letter in our acronym CPR, the letter P stands for peace.
In our daily lives, we are bombarded with the never-ending list of tasks we must complete and so much can go wrong in the process. For example, you have been waiting to go to the hair salon, you finally get a chance to go, but as you are leaving it starts to rain. Subsequently, you recall, the umbrella you always have with you – it’s in the car which is parked two blocks away. In this situation, you become flustered and stressed out. At this moment, apply “contain”. The first letter in the acronym. Your thoughts are gathered and you are able to proceed. Then, apply the second letter in the acronym which is “peace.”
During stressful moments ask for peace.
If you have a spiritual practice, ask your Higher Power to guide you during a stressful event. Allow yourself to take a couple of deep breaths. You need to be at peace to weather any storm. Your feelings of stress are valid. You are allowed to be stressed out. However, when the feeling overwhelms you, you need to take care of yourself and reduce the feelings of stress.
Bringing yourself back, before your feelings have escalated, allows you to make peace with the situation. Take this time to ask your Higher Power for guidance.
After all, we are human beings with feelings and stressful lives. We have the capacity to move beyond stressful circumstances. By using coping skills and methods to deal with stress, we can call upon peace to help us navigate the next moment.
Stay tuned for part three of the CPR Method, the letter R.