Your life is full of things that vie for your attention – the permanent loop of deadlines to meet; bills to pay; relationships to manage; bellies to fill; rooms to clean; on and on it goes. The demands for your time and attention seem never-ending and, if managed improperly, can tip you into a state of stress.
Stress is as common as air. Most people accept it as an inescapable part of life but don’t take the time to understand its source and how to deal with it.
Some factors commonly identified as sources of stress are work, family, kids, health, and, the number one culprit, finances. It’s true that most people can relate to experiencing stress in each of these areas but they are simply triggers for stress, not the source of the stress.
So what’s the source of stress?
There are various opinions on this but the most prevalent is that stress is the body’s response to the physical, mental or emotional pressures that are placed on it. Chemicals and hormones are released into the body in response to these pressures and that results in the feeling of stress.
The Missing Link
Although the feelings of stress are caused by chemicals and hormones released into the body, the often neglected link between the triggers for stress and the feelings of stress is thoughts. The triggers have no meaning other than the ones attached to them so feelings of stress are caused by your interpretation of the triggers for stress.
Feelings of stress are caused by your interpretation of the triggers for stress.
Imagine this scenario. You’re scheduled to make a pitch to a prospect but, at the last minute, your son fractures his leg. You have to cancel your appointment and don’t know if you’ll get another opportunity. You can have a host of responses including:
- “Everything that can ever go wrong always does.”
- “I’ll never get this business off the ground at this rate.”
- “It’s always something with this kid.”
- “The timing isn’t great but I’m sure they’ll understand and, if not, there will be other opportunities.”
- “Thank God I can be there for my little guy.”
Your response will either free you to care for your child or result in stress.
Negative self talk generated by feelings of inadequacy are also catalysts for stress. When you get caught in negative thought patterns, you’re more vulnerable to feelings of stress. These negative thoughts usually lurk in the subconscious so they go unchallenged and are accepted as truth. If you’ve ever thought that you lack the ability, the brains or other resources to accomplish something you need to, you probably know that those thoughts create internal pressures which propagate stress. Capturing and re-framing or replacing negative thoughts is a key strategy in managing stress.
The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over the other.
William James
Everyone experiences stress at one time or the other; it’s a normal part of life. In fact, some stress can be good as it heightens attention and fosters higher performance. Whatever the nature of the stress, the important thing is how you deal with it as that determines the impact it will have.
Strategies for Managing Stress
As previously stated, stress is a bodily response to the pressures and demands of every day life. Left unchecked, stress can have a serious impact on various bodily systems including the heart, respiratory, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. Consequently, it’s vital to learn how to actively manage your stress. Below are some strategies that have proven to be effective for managing stress.
- Control your thoughts. Steer your mind towards thoughts that empower rather than debilitate.
- Move your body. Exercise improves your mood and increases feel good hormones in the body which counteract the negative effects of stress.
- Sleep Well. The body undergoes healing and restoration during sleep so don’t skimp on it.
- Eat Right. A good nutrition fortifies the body.
- Avoid overwork. Know when it’s time to stop.
- Make time for things you enjoy. Give yourself something to look forward to.
- Say no when you need to. It’s not selfish, it’s kindness to yourself and those who get a calmer you.
- Reach out for help. Lean on your community; don’t be a hero.
- Practice deep breathing. Focusing on breath can have a calming effect.
- Manage your environment. Create or choose physical and social environments that stabilize you.
- Serve. Helping others is a great way to take the focus off ourselves and give new perspective.
When it comes to dealing with stress, there’s greater benefit to being proactive rather than reactive.
Proactivity puts you in the driver’s seat but when you react, you’re driven along by the circumstances. Taking appropriate steps to reduce stress before it threatens your well-being is a more effective strategy for a healthier, happier, and more productive life!
What are some stress-busting strategies that work for you?
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