Fall 1998

The Missing Piece newsletter

Don’t Let Stress Blow Out of Proportionwpe4.jpg (1436 bytes)

Leanne Spengler, Human Development Specialist

The following takes a balloon or an active imagination. Think about your day--wpe3.jpg (4996 bytes)

BLOW air into your balloon if you:

-had to give a child money for something
-had a conflict with a child, partner, or co-worker
-found you were out of milk or a food item you
-popped a button, tore a hole in some item of needed for a meal clothing

BLOW MORE air in your balloon if on your way to work or a meeting, you:

-had a hard time getting there on time
-didn’t want to go
-had another inconvenience getting there
-had other ‘stressful’ experiences
-couldn’t find something you wanted to wear
-couldn’t find the car keys

As you can see (or imagine), little inconveniences can collect and blow out of proportion if you let stress pile up in your life.

Now...think about your day and let some air out of your balloon if you:

+got a smile or hug from someone
+got a pleasant call from a friend
+enjoyed a bit of humor with someone
+exercised
+listened to enjoyable music
+said a prayer, etc.

LET AIR OUT for any other ‘relaxing’ experience you had today.

You can imagine what will happen if we keep putting more in the balloon without any way to release air. It will EXPLODE--just like we would if we can’t find ways to release the stress and pressure.


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University Outreach and Extension Nancy Flood, floodn@missouri.edu
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Last Update: May 23, 2001