Stress – we need it in order to get things done!Stress in moderation can have a positive effect on our performance, motivation, alertness and creativity. But of course at the other extreme it can have a major damaging effect. It’s when the body doesn’t break down the chemicals, then the adrenaline rush can lead to panic attacks, or burnout and other physical signs of an apparent inability to cope. If over time you fear that your physical health is being affected resulting in chest pains, dizziness, fainting, feeling sick, frequent crying and sleeping problems for example – then do something about it. Seek medical help. You could be putting yourself at risk from a heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure. On the other hand assuming that you are not the above extreme, what can you do to help yourself to manage stress much better?
It’s OK to get angry As long as you remain in control, don’t do anything you’d regret later and don’t take it out on innocent people. It reminds people that we aren’t a pushover and that their actions have caused us some pain.
Make a point of differentiating between the things worth getting angry about and those that aren’t.
Control your response to being shouted at Practise with a friend shouting in your face, telling you to do as you are told, until you realise it can’t hurt you. Each time they shout, say calmly ‘You don’t frighten me at all’ –because they won’t!
Do it and notice your feelings Dismiss your nervous energy Stand up straight. Repeat to yourself ‘I love you’. Feel your feet firmly planted on the ground with roots going down into the earth. Imagine a ray of light emerging from above, filling your whole being with light and flowing into your surroundings. Take particular notice of how any nervous energy just drains away. Learn how to combat worrying thoughts Picture yourself in a situation in which you felt completely relaxed and stress free. Magnify the picture and add the sounds that you heard. Then in your minds eye, step into the picture yourself. What do you hear? What do you feel? Feeling is believing! Whenever a worrying thought come into your head train yourself to “step into your picture”
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