Stress can be a precursor to ailments in humans and animals. Marie Helweg-Larsen shares how Danes use the word, pyt, to cultivate healthy thoughts to deal with stress. Studies show that we are happier and live longer when we have fewer daily hassles and don’t blame stressors on people. In some cases, what constitutes a hassle might be tied to how we interpret what’s happening around us.
Pyt can help people avoid the tendency to blame others. By saying “pyt,” you’re deciding that it’s not worth letting someone else’s actions, which are out of your control, bother you.
Source: The Conversation, February 27, 2019. Link.
Pyt is usually expressed as an interjection in reaction to a daily hassle, frustration or mistake. It most closely translates to the English sayings, “Don’t worry about it,” “stuff happens” or “oh, well.”
INSIGHTS: One of my adult relatives was a second generation, Danish-American. Pyt was a routine word in her vocabulary and she was one of the more easy-going, gracious persons I have known.
Also see: Outsmart your next stress spiral with these 2 simple strategies, Shine, March 4, 2019. Link.
The first step to getting present is noticing your cognitive distortions, or the dirty tricks your brain plays to pull you out of the moment.