Coping with stress

Stress affects people in different ways.

We see stress in different ways and each person has their own way of coping or not. 

Stress that is productive improves productivity, triggers action and can be very beneficial if you are able to handle stress.  This type of stress can be seen as the competitive edge, triggering action to stay ahead of the game.  Sales teams have goals of their own and often team goals against other teams.  This if handled and dealt with in a positive way, is positive stress.

However, not everyone can cope with even competitive stress.

Each person is individual and can find their own ways of dealing with stress.

Stress becomes overwhelming when we can no longer cope with the situation and this is the time to take a step back and seek help.

First thing to do is stop, take a step back and evaluate.  This might just mean taking a couple hours out of your day, sitting with a cuppa and a pen and paper and making a list of things that you are not coping with, and a possible action plan of how to change the situation.

If you cannot do this for yourself as the saying goes "you cannot see the wood for the trees", then ask a family member or close friend for help.  If you are a private person and need professional or outside help, then do that.  When seeking help from outside of your circle check their reviews. 

If you are a very private person and need to do this yourself, there are many online self help courses, videos and workshops that can help you. 

At the same time, if work is the stress trigger, what can you do to change that?  Delegate to others, work less hours, hand in your notice?  Only you can decide.

In the meantime, you could use some simple techniques to help you that work immediately.

a) sleep is important - challenged to stay asleep or go to sleep, use a few drops of lavender oil on a tissue next to your bed.  Lavender helps you relax, reduces anxiety and stress.  You can also brew a light lavender tea before bed, which not only helps with anxiety and sleep, has beneficial effect on the digestive system and reduces tension on the blood stream, which is beneficial for heart and blood pressure.

b) Have a sleep down time routine.  one hour before you like to go to bed, have a relaxing bath with soothing oils, plays soft gentle relaxing music, to help you wind down. 

c) Meditation in the morning helps set you up for the day, gives you energy and helps you reduce stress and anxiety.

d) write a gratitude journal at the end of each day, being grateful for all the things you have experienced. 

e) If the stress is from one person, write them a letter, saying everything you wouldn't say to them in person.  Writing everything you need to say.  Do not reread it, take it and burn it.  Letting it go is the best solution.  You might need to do this several times to really let go.

Sometimes things that are causing stress you feel are out of your control.  Ask the following of yourself?

i) do I really need to feel this way?

ii) what am I achieving by being so anxious and stressed?

iii) what do I need to know or do to stop feeling this way?

iv) what can I do to help me?

Answer honestly, only you know the true answers and mostly the answers will be to i) No, ii) Nothing and iii) might be as simple as switching off the news and stop following social media.  iv) the simple answer is possible do something different.

Who was it that said "doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the first sign of madness" - Albert Einstein

Here at the healing zone we have a new course bundle soon to be released which will include the following to help with stress management and well-being all online.

• Diet and nutrition - online
• Aromatherapy - online
• Bach flowers - online
• Stress management - online

For details contact anne@thehealingzoneacademy.net