The Mayonnaise Jar Stress Management Technique

by Chaplain Paul Slater
I received this humorous story about stress management technique from a realtor friend. I have included it in our company's employment training in an attempt to help employees deal with stress in the workplace. Since this stress relief suggestion was in an email that requested I pass it on, I will do so through this stress management article.

A Humorous Story About The Mayonnaise Jar Stress Management Technique

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

Coping With Stress Begins With Golf Balls

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The Professor's Stress Management Technique For Stress Full Lives

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

Applying The Stress Management Technique To Life

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

1. The golf balls are the important things -- God, your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions -- and if everything else was lost and only they remained , your life would still be full.!
2. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.
3. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

The Secret To Coping With Stress In The Workplace And Stress In You Home

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

• "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness."
• "Play with your children."
• "Spend time with your parents."
• "Visit with grandparents."
• "Take time to get medical checkups."
• "Take your spouse out to dinner."
• "Play another 18."
• "There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."
• "Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter."
• "Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

A Short Funny Quote Showing How To Handle Stress

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked." "It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

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Chaplain Paul L. Slater, San Diego, CA.,

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