What is Stress Filtering?
Stress filtering means deliberately eliminating or restructuring the factors in your life that cause stress. I recently went through this process and now wonder why I waited so long. Letting go of certain things in life can be both liberating and empowering.
How to Conduct a Stress Filtering:
- Activities and Projects
Map out everything you’re involved in. Ask yourself: Are these activities energizing or draining? What can you realistically cut back or eliminate? - People in Your Life
Identify relationships that uplift you versus those that drain you. Can you limit contact with individuals who are sources of stress? - Finances
Is your financial situation causing stress? Are you living beyond your means? Pinpoint what adjustments you can make. - Other Stress Factors
This could include work-related restructuring, health issues, or life crises. Some factors can’t be removed, but they need to be addressed in a structured way.
Your Challenge: Identify Three Measurable Stress Factors
To tackle stress effectively, focus on measurable strategies. Start by identifying three stress factors you can influence and evaluate after 30 days. For example:
- Work hours: Reduce overtime by 25%.
- Finances: Create a budget and cut unnecessary expenses by a specific amount.
- Relationships: Limit interactions with an energy-draining person to once a week.
After 30 days, assess: Have these changes reduced your stress? Are they sustainable long-term? By addressing stress in a concrete, actionable way, you increase your chances of finding balance.
Good luck with your filtering!
Have a brilliant day!
Ulf Lidman
