Stress Control
“Learn how to control stress?” the woman said to me at a workshop. “You must be kidding.” Nope, not kidding, it can be done. Each of us responds differently to stressful events. Stress is almost an over-used word. But the reason this word is being used a lot is that unfortunately, life is more stressful. I would even say that in some companies stress is an unacknowledged epidemic.
I thought it might be helpful if I explain how you can take charge of the stress in your life. Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond your control, the only thing you can do is change how you think about the situation.
I’ll start by sharing with you what some of the symptoms of being stressed are:
1. Sleep disturbances 2. Migraine or Tension headaches 3. Skin issues, exzema, psoriasis 4. Weight gain or loss 5. Back and/or shoulder pain 6. Asthma, shortness of breath 7. Crying easily 8. Fatigue (extreme) 9. Stomach upsets on a regular basis 10. Muscle tension and feelings of muscle exhaustion at the slightest effort 11. High Blood Pressure 12. Memory Loss (due in all likelihood, to the oppressive fatigue) 13. More flu’s/colds due to immune system suppression 14. Depression and feelings of “why bother” 15. Feelings of dread at the thought of going to work 16. Feeling emotionally numb 17. Feeling angry all the time and like you have no control over your life.
If you have two or more of these symptoms, pay attention. I would recommend a visit to your Doctor for a complete physical and share with her/him why you are there. Once your physical health is checked out, perhaps an appointment with a counselor would be helpful as well.
When I tell folks in my workshops that they can control the amount of stress in their life, I sometimes do get skeptical comments. The key lies within your mind. Thoughts and attitudes mix together and impact your physical body.
Keep in mind that we are all programmed by our parents, our society and our own self-talk and this effects how our mind responds to all situations in life So if we are in a negative environment for a large portion of every day, we will have a tendency to continue this thought pattern in other areas of our lives. Much like a computer we can reprogram our minds. We have the power, because we can choose what we put into our minds.
Sounds simple doesn’t it? Basically, it is simple. You start by becoming aware of the habit of negativity. Your brain has a pathway of your thoughts. You can change the direction of this path but will need a thought machete as you create a more pleasant thought pathway for yourself. That machete represents being mindful of your own responses and thoughts all the time. Replace the negative observation/thought with a positive observation/thought. Not too complicated. It is just as easy to create a good habit as it is a bad one.
You will soon notice that your new way of thinking is easier on you, your friends, family and colleagues and anyone you come in contact with. It will also benefit your physical state of health too. There is a universal law that you attract what you are.
It won’t mean that your problems will vanish. But it may help to shrink them putting them into a healthier perspective. Take charge of your mind and your body will follow along quite willingly. Train them to work in harmony. You can do it.