Stressful thoughts signal the release of cortisol in our bodies. If unchecked, the impact on our emotional "tanks" can be pretty serious. How can we learn to reframe those thoughts that induce stress into healthier thought patterns that curb or lessen the release of cortisol?
 
Here’s an example:  A student in my online Spanish university-level class emails me complaining about the class, an “unfair” grade, the rigorous nature of the class, due dates, excuses for not completing the work, the online language laboratory we use, or his or her experience with technical support on a given issue. Often the issues are resolved quickly and easily. However, sometimes students are disrespectful; they do not use proper “netiquette” within the email; they appear ill-mannered and react in impulsive ways. They blame me for their frustrations as I am, after all, the frontline target.  
 
I’ve noticed that I log into my college email accounts with dread and anxiety. My breathing becomes shallower and my shoulders tense up.  I’m like, “Okay.” Sigh. “What will I find here today?” I’m gearing up for obstacles and resistance.  My adrenalin levels increase. I try to encourage myself that I’m putting out fires, but still I’m not exactly enjoying the experience. 

Too often, there is a cost in emotional energy, and I need my emotional energy tank to be full, not depleted as a result of answering emails!  After prayer and greater consideration, I isolated 5 tips to help me foster new coping mechanisms when dealing with complaints and negativity.

What are emotions?  What causes them? What foods affect our thinking, emotions, and moods?

These are a few of the questions I address on this episode of the Choose 2 Think Podcast.  If you listen til the end, you’ll hear a few of the participants share their takeaways from this information packed session*.

Kelly mentions... 

Do you have lots of TO-DO THOUGHTS rumbling away in your brain? 

If so, it might just be that time to DECLUTTER YOUR MIND through an exercise that takes all of 5 minutes! 

Grab a huge blank piece of paper and make columns or use your notebook/journal, and write these TITLES at the top of 3 pages:

1. MUST DO (today)
2. WANNA DO (soon/often)
3. HOPE TO DO (future)

Set your timer for 5 mins. and then write away! 

But wait!  What happens afterward?

Discussing the sensitive topics of suicide, attempted suicide, and suicidal ideation* can be quite challenging because they are emotionally charged.   Sometimes it's hard to find the words to express our thoughts and feelings about these issues.

Choose 2 Think Podcast guest Stephen Johnson, a licensed social worker who has been in practice for decades, reduces the charge on this issue by addressing it in a loving and God-honoring fashion.  

During the interview, Stephen answers these two overarching questions:

1) Why might someone choose to take their own life?
2) What can the survivors (family members, friends, the community) do to deal with their grief and any guilt they may be feeling as a result of losing someone they know to suicide?

His answers may surprise you.