We've heard it from scientists and we've heard it from therapists, too much stress is not a good thing. But on our own, we've discovered how stress affects our lives. We can feel crippled, tired, and simply unable to tackle the pressures that are upon our shoulders. Instead of simply stopping our lives and giving into our stress, you can find ways to motivate your mind into action. In fact, stress can be one of the greatest motivation tools you have, if you know how to use it.



Accomplishments Add Up to Motivation

When you have a lot on your plate, you need to figure out a way to list your tasks out. Some people like to use their PDA, others like to use a piece of paper, while others simply like to enter in their tasks onto a computer document. However you choose to do this, make sure you are regularly listing out the things you need to do in a manner where you can refer to it often. You might want to start by creating this list at the beginning of the week.

As your week progresses, you can check off the things you've completed on your list. This will give you a visual representation of what you have already done as well as how far you still need to go. But with each line that crosses off a task, you begin to build momentum to tackle the other projects that remain. For some, they will want to cross off the smaller items first, and then the bigger items; for others, the opposite is true.

Creating Time for You

Stressful times often feel harried and rushed because each minute seems to be relegated to some task outside of your inner desires. You're committed to work responsibilities, family responsibilities, etc. While you can't get rid of these tasks, you can carve out time for your own personal responsibilities even if it's simply heading to the park for a walk or taking a moment to paint your toe nails.

Each week, you will want to create a time when you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself, allowing you to create a positive mindset that has a way to release the stress of your week.

Rewards Work Too

But there's nothing that works better for motivation than rewards. By creating something to look forward to, you can lessen the impact that stressful times can have on you. Think about setting up a friend's night at a local restaurant on Mondays or Fridays to give yourself a chance to reward yourself for the week ahead or for the week that you've just completed. Take yourself out for a bookstore shopping trip or for a massage, whatever you consider a real reward.

Stressful times require motivation tips and tricks to help you manage them as well as you can. By keeping track of your accomplishments, making time for yourself, and giving yourself rewards, you will notice that your feelings of stress begin to diminish and you get a lot more done at the same time!