Taking care of your Plimsoll Line

Samuel Plimsoll was a British politician and social reformer, now best remembered for having devised the Plimsoll Line. The original Plimsoll Mark was a circle with a horizontal line through it to show the maximum draft of a ship. This line is more commonly referred to as the waterline.

Each of us has our own Plimsoll Line — that point where, if our personal load (stress) is increased, we become overloaded and clear sailing becomes threatened. Knowing and being aware of your Plimsoll Line is critical for healthy and productive living. We must recognize our ability to take on stress and accept that not all stressors are “bad.”

The Oxford Dictionary defines stress as “a state of affairs involving demand on physical or mental energy.” Stress is extremely personal. We all encounter various stressors in everyday life. If you know how to manipulate it properly, stress can be turned into plenty of advantages for you.

A change in attitude, such as simple modifications of habits, thought, and behaviour patterns, often go a long way to reduce stress and tension.

A person who knows how to manage their stress, so as not to exceed their Plimsoll Line, can inject or eliminate stress whenever and wherever he or she chooses.

A change in attitude, such as simple modifications of habits, thought, and behaviour patterns, often go a long way to reduce stress and tension. Practising to let go or making a conscious choice not to become angry or upset over trivial matters saves a lot of mental and physical energy.

And don’t forget the role of laughter in reducing stress:

• Try to develop the habit of adopting a humorous view toward situations (“might as well laugh as cry.”)
• Try to spend as much time as possible with cheerful people.
• Try not to always take yourself too seriously.
• Keep a collection of your favorite funny books and CDs/DVDs.

The next time you are feeling miserable, identify your negative thoughts, focus on your feelings and then eliminate all self-defeating thoughts. Substitute them with positive thoughts about yourself. Try putting a really cheerful smile on your face. You will find it difficult to stay sad and you will bask in the glow of making other people feel better. Positive thinking reduces negative emotions and acts as a stress-buster.

Do not, however, avoid seeking professional help or mobilizing social support, if required, in dealing with stressful times.

Contact the Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC) at 1-800-667-5722 or www.lpac.ca.