Author shares lessons of coping with stress

Author shares lessons of coping with stress
The best way to deal with stress is to treat it like a vacation: Start planning for it.

That is the advice of Dr. Claire Michaels Wheeler, the author of the new book, “10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension & Start Enjoying Your Life.”

Wheeler will have a discussion, question and answer period and a book signing on Jan. 16 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Beaverton Borders, 2605 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd.

Typically, she said, people underestimate the power of stress until it affects basic human functions such as sleep, memory, eating and sex or leads to chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, coronary heart disease and depression.

“The trick is to really get a little creative and deliberate in how we approach stress and look at what’s worked for people medically,” Wheeler said.

For her part, Dr. Wheeler, 47, isn’t exactly a model of stress-free living. She’s seen death up close in the E.R., been through a divorce and experienced the fallout of cancer in her immediate family. She runs a private medical-consulting practice, speaks nationally and works as a professor.

“I have my bad days just like anyone else,” Dr. Wheeler said. “But it’s all about doing what inspires you and has meaning for you – even if it’s not always fun – and knowing that it will really make you a better, healthier person.

“Stress management is a process, not a reaction, that’s very much tied to lifestyle choices. Honestly, you can’t start reducing stress until you start living life.”

For more information visit www.stresshappiness.com/about.

Goal management: eliminating stress

Goal management: eliminating stress


Before I depart from my beloved university, I want to offer six pearls of wisdom about setting goals.

Sometimes we get stuck, lose passion and get depressed when we don't accomplish a particular goal. What happened?

Let's explore some possibilities.

First, a goal is not realistic enough.

My first major was secondary education with concentration in language arts. I chose it because I enjoyed teaching youth.

Soon I realized that I was more of a spontaneous person so I needed a very flexible, multi-dimensional career. In other words, your general nature and present patterns can point to where you should be directing your attention.

Be honest with yourself, and make sure your goal is really attainable.

Secondly, a goal is not faith-filled.

You really don't have confidence to fulfill it, or it may not be based on your core values, what you treasure or should treasure the most out of life.

For instance, when I was younger, I shaved my sideburns and neck, leaving me with razor bumps and blackheads. Yes, bad decision.

By now, my skin should be much clearer. But at the time I didn't value physical appearance enough to invest in a quality product and to use it on a more consistent basis.

Next, a goal is not your own. How many of us start on a path without consulting self but rather cling to what others want us to do?

This summer, I had to choose to stay in an organization or finish college. I was going to lose a lot of time and peace of mind. This decision brought pain to some people, but I had to do what was best for me and secure my future.

Fourth, a goal is an illusion of the real thing we should be pursuing. While in college, my mother experienced two miscarriages. She didn't want or need another child, but it was a sign that she was aborting her calling as a minister.

Basically she allowed fear to hinder the pursuit of her spirit's cry. To some Christians, fear is an acronym: false evidence appearing real.

Then, there's wrong timing. For some reason I was on a quest for a man. Yet I wasn't emotionally stable enough to handle that commitment because of unresolved issues from my past. I needed healing, not a husband.

Finally, wrong motives. We can even do good things for the wrong reasons. I consistently check my motives. Once I noticed this, I would offer help to satisfy the need to be needed and give to prove that I was a giver. Wrong.

These are six reasons why you may have not reached your goals.

Remember you have the power and right to change your mind and your direction. It's your life, and it doesn't necessarily mean you failed if you decide to switch gears.

Another route could be more fulfilling, long lasting and soul saving.