Can't find your glasses? Or your wallet? Or your keys? Try this Brain-Friendly Lifestyle Strategy to keep yourself Calm and Stress-Free

A Reader From Texas writes:

PROBLEM:  This afternoon, it couldn't be helped.  I coudn't find my sun glass magnetic clip-ons.  I kept driving while my older daughter searched my purse.  Then I found them on my lap.  They fell there and how would I know!?!  In the meantime, it was very frustrating...so I don't know how to be cool during the search.

The Memory Lady responds:

Dear Hot and Frustrated in Texas:

Time doesn't care how you use it. The clock keeps on ticking.  Consistently.  No matter whether you're searching for an item you lost due to not paying attention to where you put it, or whether, like in this case, you wasted time searching for your magnetic glass clip which just - unnoticeably - fell into your lap.

A nano-second is a nano-second.  It's out of our control to change the pace of the clock.  Tick-tock.  Tick-tock.  What is in our control is how we react emotionally.

Steam happens when we lose our cool.  A little bit is good.  It gets us moving to search for the lost item.  Too Much steam, and we can flip our lid.

SOLUTION:  While searching for a lost item, don't forget to stop and take a deep breath.  This simple memory strategy helps you to keep your cool and prevent the panic from taking over. 

Think of breath as an interior fan with a built-in thermostat that keeps your blood pressure down, your system oxygenated, and your mental stress protectors from overheating due to frustration.

Whenever you are on the spectrum of the "why can't I find it?" blues, once the search is on, here is a sure-fire way to control the steam and nip frustration in the bud.

Take a deep breath.  Next, state what you're looking for.  In a positive way.  That's right, say it out loud:  "I'm looking for my magnetic glass clips."  Then just keep alternating the breath and the statement while you look.  The odds are with you that in this relaxed mode you'll find them.  You might even be able to laugh at yourself (always a good thing to do).

Whether they show up or not, you'll feel better, both physically and emotionally, by keeping your cool.

SIMILAR STORIES:  Hot and Frustrated in Texas' story triggers a memory of a dinner party at my house when we spent five minutes looking for our guest's black framed glasses before someone noticed the glasses were hooked onto her black shirt.  And that reminds me of another incident...

WHAT ARE YOUR STORIES?  Blog on and share your memory stories.

Blog on with your comments.  And forward this blog to as many friends and associates as you wish.  Hopefully they'll become Memory Tipsters as well. (Copyright - Judy Marcus - 2008)**********************************************************************************************************

Reprint Permission: You are welcome to reprint any items from the Memory Improvement Tips Blog.  However, please credit Judy Marcus, Memory Lady, as a source, with the following paragraph:

Reprinted from the "Judy Marcus - Memory Lady - Memory Improvement Tips Blog", www.memory-improvement-tipster.com featuring tips and strategies to take control of your memory and keep your brain strong.

Comments

[Stevie B]

Thanks for the memory tip. I'll take a deep breath BEFORE I dash out the door, and then I won't forget to unplug the coffee pot and remember it once I'm on my way to work!

[Kitty Wiemelt]

Judy, What a delightful and, Oh so true, article. When we are frantic to find anything, we have constricted our minds with fear (am I losing it, my mom had Alzheimers?) and the stress of not having it together. T Harv Ecker is the author of the Millionaire Mind and he says, "Where the Attention Goes, Energy Flows, & Results Show." Judy, you say, take a breath, repeat the positive affirmation of what you are asking for (to find your glasses) and direct your whole attention with calmness. I whole heartedly agree. Nice job. www.bouncebackexpert.typepad.com

[Judy L]

Great tip. I always forget about it and heaven knows I need it now!!! I immediately startied deep breathing after reading your email. Thanks so much...it worked!!

[Bonnie S]

Judy:

This statement you wrote is genius!

"Think of breath as an interior fan with a built-in thermostat that keeps your blood pressure down, your system oxygenated, and your mental stress protectors from overheating due to frustration."

I love thinking it in those terms. In recent years, I've been using conscious thought to remind myself to breathe. This will help that effort. Thank you.

[Judy Y]

I am going to try that next time - and knowing me, next time should be quite soon!
Thanks Judy!