Your words have a profound impact on your mindset, empowering us or inhibiting you. The language you use can lift you or weigh you down. Here are a few exaggerated phrases to avoid:
- “I have a million things to do.” This phrase can make you feel instantly overwhelmed as if you’re drowning with no way to catch up. Even if you’re exaggerating, this phrase can still set you up to feel more stressed than necessary.
- “I have a ton of things to do.” This, like the previous phrase, can make you feel burdened by the weight of tasks.
- “I’m afraid of my own shadow.” This phrase can set you up to become overly fearful, limiting your ability to engage in everyday activities. Over time, this language can shrink your world and keep you from enjoying life.
- “I always feel like I’m walking on eggshells.” Saying this can foster self-doubt and make you reluctant to express yourself or take positive risks.
- “I’m a nervous wreck.”This statement can reinforce a negative self-image, dis-empower you, and make you feel weak and incapable of handling tasks.
- “I’m at the end of my rope.”This phrase implies that you have exhausted all options and can make you feel desperate and hopeless in an ongoing, already high-pressure situation.
- “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”This dramatic visualization can amplify your perception of pain and discomfort. It’s more constructive to say, “I’m hurting today,” acknowledging pain without exaggerating.
- “I’m always on edge.”Saying this can push you into a state of hyper-vigilance and tension, preventing you from feeling peaceful or relaxed.
- “I’m about to blow my fuse.”This implies that you’re on the verge of losing your temper, increasing your underlying tension and making it more likely that you’ll lose control.
- “I’m furious.”Opt for milder terms like “upset” or “frustrated.” A playful word like “peeved” can also reduce the intensity of your feelings.
- “I’m on the warpath.”Aggressive phrases like this set you up for a negative day. Words like “livid,” “fuming,” or “ballistic” can also add to your stress and tension.
Positive Phrases to Combat Stressful Language
- “I’ve got this!”
- “I choose to have peace of mind.”
- “I can handle this!”
- “I always land on my feet.”
- “This will be a piece of cake.”
Say these phrases out loud with confidence and enthusiasm. Use strong body language—stand tall, shoulders back, and eyes forward. Over time, you’ll notice a greater sense of peace and confidence, and you’ll handle stress more effectively.
Mark Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice at Oakwood Counseling Center in Valdosta. He is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and How To Argueproof Your Relationship.
