How do you manage your stress?

I’m always one to try and get to the ‘root cause’ of a problem, and then solve it.

But sometimes the root cause is out of our control.

And so rather than get caught up in frustration, anger or despair, I try and think about what IS in my control, and the answer to that is always the same: how I choose to perceive the situation and how I choose to respond.

Because our emotions are just a signal. It’s our body’s way of saying ‘er, just a sec’ to our brains.

And it’s at that point, when we notice the signal, that we get to choose our response.

I mean, we can pound the steering wheel in frustration and swear till the cows come home, but it’s not going to clear the traffic jam. I know. I’ve tried.

Or, we can put some music on. Or ask our passenger (if we have one) how they are. Or make a phone call (on our hands-free bluetoothed phone, of course) to someone we haven’t spoken to for a while. Or enjoy some extra quiet time to think our own thoughts.

The choice is ours:
😡 Top up our cortisol and adrenaline levels by letting our negative emotions control us, or
🥰 find a way to sooth our emotions in a more constructive and self-caring way.

And we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

Sometimes the things that cause us stress can feel big and complex, so figuring out how to make changes or get clarity isn’t always straightforward.

Speaking to someone we trust can be a great way to say what our worries are out loud (which helps to loosen the grip of our negative thoughts and emotions), gain some insights and perspective, and powerfully co-create ideas or strategies for a way forward.

Unhealthy stress over a prolonged period can have serious effects on both our mental and physical health, so by talking about it, and supporting those struggling with it, is a great way to normalise it and remove any stigma.

The important things to remember are:
👉 we don’t have to suffer alone, and
👉 we have choices.