24/7 SPEED/Resiliency Shrink Rap ™: Safe Stress Survival Strategies

This poetic/lyrical “SPEED Rap” is an elaboration of an earlier work.  [Actually, I have just coined a new concept – Resiliency Rap ™."]  The three expanded or new areas are:  Sleep, Passion, and Empathy. Audiences are very engaged when I talk about the concept, so I decided to rework a “Shrink Rap” ™ version.  It's a yin-yang mix of light and dark humor and insight.

On a lark, I showed it to a Howard County librarian this am, a total stranger, just for her reaction.  She simply said, "Wow!"  And also thanked me profusely when I gave her a copy and suggested she share it with her colleagues.

Hopefully, you too will be jolted with energy, entertainment, and some enlightenment.

Enjoy!  And feel free to share.

Mark

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24/7 SPEED/Resiliency Shrink Rap ™
Safe Stress Survival Strategies

By Mark Gorkin, "The Stress Doc" ™


What is the answer to modern duress?
Should you try Prozac?
Is it time to confess
To Ebay shopping – which may be a warning
When you're clicking madly at three in the morning?

But relax, have no fear...
The Stress Doc is here. So lay worries to rest…
Now listen and learn to Practice Safe Stress! ™

As you sprint to the wire with blood pressure higher
Timeless mind-body tips to heed
For slowing down, getting feet on the ground
And building Natural SPEED – Sleep-Priority-Passion-Empathy-Exercise-Diet.

 

Now don't be cheap with your need for “Sleep.”
Maximum learning must be REM deep
To be a beauty with mental acuity
Not that snooze-button bashing BLEEP!

For when it comes to daily slumber
Late night video/gaming is dumb and dumber.
You may think I croak like a grouchy old toad:
“Enough…Pull the plug on ‘just one more’ download.”
Alas and alack, when an insomniac
You are ripe for brain plaque
Even small brain attacks or dementia.
Beware numbing at night with pie ala mode
Better mind travel down a pine-scented road.
Or let sounds of the ocean
Sing a lullaby potion
While launching a dreamy adventure.

So, can you get seven hours, at least

Without an Ambien or Bacchanalian feast?
When stress from your head crawls into the bed
And virals as a nightmarish beast...
Despite what you think you’ll need more than a shrink:
How do you find – without losing your mind…Aha!
Is there an app for a “multi-HYPER-texting ‘n tubeing-always on-
Facebooking-Skype-savvy” exorcist priest?

"P" stands for "Priority"
You can't do it all every day.
Urgent means now but important can wait.
Do you know how to "N & N"? –
Just say "No and Negotiate!"

I hope you’ll pardon my asking:

“Must you always be multi-tasking?”
Oh, it’s just me, honey, your Energizer Bunny.
Running from quiet, your life is a riot.
Hmm…what is that “ADD” masking?

Another “P”-word is “Passion”
And we’re not talking sex, shoes, or fashion.
Don’t try to impress, better…
Learn to play chess
Or dig, dream, and dance in your garden.

"E" is for the "Empathy"
Found in a caring shoulder.
But all give without take is a big mistake
For now you shoulder a boulder.

Find a stress buddy who knows TLC

Someone honest and self-aware –
One who gives “Tender Loving Criticism”
Yet also takes “Tough Loving Care!”

The second "E" is for "Exercise"
Start pumping iron or those thighs.
You may not need SSRIs.
Try thirty minutes of non-stop spin
For your mood uplifting endorphin.

And, finally, "D" is for a healthy "Diet"
Alas, many would rather die than try it.
To manage foods so often craved
Grieve, "let go," and then be brave
Sending diet fads to an early grave.

So eat those fruits and veggies
Try fish oils and soy protein.
For too much fats and sugar
Excess alcohol and caffeine
Is a rollercoaster formula
For an artery-clogged machine.

It's time to end this Shrink Rap
With final tips for you –
"A firm 'No' a day keeps the ulcers away, and the hostilities too."
So to lessen daily woes, "Do know your limits; don't limit your 'No's!"

Ponder this Stress Doc wit and wisdom
Try to live it day after day:
Burnout is not a sign of failure
You simply gave yourself away.

Remember, sometimes less is more
And more is really less.
Balance work and play, faith and love
And, of course...Practice Safe Stress!

© Mark Gorkin 2013
Shrink Rap ™ Productions

Mark Gorkin, MSW, LICSW, "The Stress Doc" ™, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is an acclaimed keynote and webinar speaker and "Motivational Humorist & Team Communication Catalyst" known for his interactive, inspiring and FUN programs for both government agencies and major corporations.  A training and Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Consultant for the National EAP/Wellness Company, Business Health Services in Baltimore, MD, the Doc is also leading “Stress, Team Building and Humor” programs for various branches of the Armed Services.  Mark is the author of Practice Safe Stress and of The Four Faces of Anger.  See his award-winning, USA Today Online "HotSite" -- www.stressdoc.com -- called a "workplace resource" by National Public Radio (NPR).  For more info on the Doc's programs or to receive his free e-newsletter, email stressdoc@aol.com.