Many people experience stress, and, there are many reasons you might feel this way.
Small levels of stress are actually totally normal and often helpful; enabling us to focus and process information, tasks, and challenges.
But, too much of it, too frequently, can have an impact on mind and body well-being.
Stress is a very natural and ‘animalistic’ response to risks, challenges, and changes in our life. Stress is created when our mind processes our surroundings or circumstances and feels we need to take action. Something that concerns us or feels outside of our comfort zone or capabilities.
As humans we often have a misguided response to stress. Especially in workplace culture. Where there is acknowledgment of it ‘being present’ but little done to support people to respond proactively or create change that ensures we feel resourceful in the face of challenge.
Recognising a Trigger
Your body creates a concoction of chemistry (Hormones) that creates physical feelings/symptoms and can result in a range of fast-paced thinking, as adrenaline and cortisol, amongst other hormones, shift your body into ‘react’ mode.
In the midst of stress, our brain shifts from the logical, analytical thinking part of the brain and activates the Amygdala response. Whilst your own ‘strategies’ in a high-stress situation might play out in a variety of unique ways they tend to align with one of the following responses.
You might be familiar with the Fight or Flight response, but did you know of the others?
🌿 Fight - You get angry or aggressive as a result of situational pressures.
🌿 Flight - You remove yourself from the situation or avoid it.
🌿 Faint - You experience overwhelm or burnout.
🌿 Freeze - You get totally stuck and can’t seem to discover solutions easily.
🌿 Faun - You shift into ‘people pleasing’ mode and compliance to avoid conflict, often at the expense of your own well-being.
Below are some of the most common reasons clients at Where The Mind Grows choose to work on stress management.
Other people's communication styles.
Feeling like there isn’t enough time/being too busy.
Sleep Issues impacting energy levels and focus in the day.
Changes in work or life.
Feeling out of control.
Lack of resources, knowledge or information to complete a task.
Environment disruptive or unsupportive to individual needs.
Conflict, bullying or harassment at work.
Feeling helpless or hopeless about things changing.
Not feeling you can do a good job at work, and unsure how to change careers (feeling stuck).
Concern for a loved one’s health/caring responsibilities.
Simply bringing awareness to your mind/body system and the stress response can be a helpful
starting point. Label it for what it is. It’s a hugely brave step to acknowledge you are feeling overwhelmed. Get curious to understand the cause of your stressors, acknowledge your physical symptoms and feelings, and the beliefs you hold about your place in a busy world.
Nature does not blind-side it’s own needs. Instead it proactively responds to the challenges it faces in it’s ever changing environment. And we can learn to do the same.
Instead of ignoring our inner needs. Listen intently for these messages as they hold the clue to balancing well-being and can provide the compass for better self-care.
Seek support from your connections or get professional help if you are worried about stress in your life.
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