5 0 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E J U N E 2 0 1 7
• Don't sweat the small stuff. You get to choose what stresses you, what you
let inside your circle, what you let get to your core. That's an empowering
notion, but it's easy to overlook that you have this control. One way to avoid
stress is by saying no. A lot of times we volunteer and take on more and more.
We let others dump on us. Then we get tired and stressed. You're so used to
being nice, but you have to learn to say no.
• Personal health. "On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm at a 4," says Ms. Staten. "But
it's important to make time for health. I'm not talking about being beautiful
and fit, but basic health so you feel good enough to do your job and not get
too tired. I'm not saying go run a marathon. Just stay healthy enough so you
can do your job." If you're woefully out of shape? Start small. And set goals.
I'm going to get in shape is not a goal. I'm going to walk 20 minutes 3
times a week is a goal that you can measure and act on.
• Laughter, the best medicine. Laughter reduces pain and makes you feel
better. We all need that release that laughter gives. When you have your health,
family and priorities balanced, life just seems to fall into place. For the few
times when it doesn't — laugh! "Everyone thinks they have a good sense of
humor," says Ms. Staten, "but some folks seem to be good at hiding theirs."
• Boosting and shining. Be kind to others. "We're all in this bucket together,
but some days you feel like you're in the bottom of the bucket," says Ms. Staten.
"You're down in the dumps and somebody needs to boost you up." Many people
are in pain, both physically and emotionally: pain based in fear of change, of
loss of security, trouble with relationships, parenting, health and work. Every
time you shine on others ("This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine.")
by saying or doing something nice, you're lifting their spirits and connecting
with them, she says.
OSM
