Five Handy Hints for Banishing Stress

Our prehistoric ancestors were much more stressed than we are today, both physically and psychologically. We are rarely likely to eaten or feel threatened by a malevolent deity. Despite that people still report high stress levels; some even become stressed about stress and wear it like a badge of social standing.

We all encounter stressors, job and financial difficulties, troubled relationships, family problems or more global concerns like climate change are just a few of the possibilities. These are the modern day psychological equivalents of lions and our internal bodily defence mechanisms respond in the age-old way.

It is also suggested that some people can become sensitised to stress, which means that the effect is just like an allergy; after a while their body reacts massively to even the slightest hint of pressure.

Short of designing the stressors out of our life – always a good option – how can we respond?

Problem-focused methods involve changing the situation itself; emotion-focused strategies involve changing our reaction to the situation. If you are good at solving problems and the stress derives from a cause you can address, then tackle the issues directly and the stress will reduce as your solution kicks in.

However, if the distress is purely emotional where you have little influence on the circumstances – like being stuck in traffic jam – or you are an ineffective problem solver, then any or all emotion-focused strategies, such as those that follow, would be more helpful:

1. Mentally retrieve the feelings of relaxation, or meditate or use biofeedback.
2. Take a huge breath in. Hold it for three to four seconds. Then let it out v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. As you blow out, blow out all the tension in your body.
3. Practice yoga, or exercise, or tend your garden, or even just read and write for 10 – 20 minutes.
4. Learn to say NO! You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle.
5. Share your feelings.  A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one. Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don’t try to cope alone.

There is no one-size-fits-all way to reduce stress; experiment to find what calms you best. Uncover as many anti-stress techniques as possible and use them through the day. You don’t have to just put up with it!

o - o - o - 0 - o - o - o

Many people set out to look for the forest and get lost in the trees. In your dreams coaching gives you the space, time and tools to break out of this self-perpetuating cycle, get a clear picture of what you want and helps you design a suitable route map to your chosen destination.

Your first success has been recognising the need for assistance.

Your second is having the good sense to call for it.

Call Paul Hayward on 01234 831631

"The biggest thing is to have a mind-set and a belief you can win every tournament going in." ~ Tiger Woods