Stress occurs when perceived demands are greater than perceived resources. This is a commonly-used definition for stress, often used in academic literature. In a recent workshop, a woman who attended laughed when she heard this definition. She later asked me, "But what if at work the stress isn't perceived -- it is actually THERE?"
Ok, I know what she probably meant. She most likely was thinking that her workplace was an environment consisting of a lot of pressure with deadlines, a large amount of work, and perhaps stressed people around her. I can certainly understand that! Some work environments can be more stress-inducing than others. (Think Wall Street, for example.) But I believe there are ways we still reduce stress and the pressure on ourselves - given the situation.
Put it this way. If a Buddhist monk stepped into your position (just stay with me here), sat at your desk and took over your responsibilities, would he be frantic?? We become stressed when we ask ourselves, "Am I enough? Do I have enough (resources) to handle this situation?" We rehearse in our heads the possibility of a situation going badly.
In some situations, stress can be good, but acute stressors that occur chronically can adversely affect our health.
So I'm not going to harp on the negative outcomes of stress and what it can do to us, and I certainly do not want to evoke any fear. The bottom line is that we all know it is bad for us. I like to think about what we can do to reduce stress in our lives. Not just cope or manage or deal with stress, but reduce stress. So much of it is about prevention, right? There are risks we cannot change and risks we can change. Here are just some of the things we can do to for ourselves:
Think about what you can do this week to reduce and prevent stress in your life. If you have a tendency to run late, you can reduce unnecessary stress by giving yourself an extra 15 minutes to arrive with a sense of calmness! This week, try to become aware of the causes of any stress in your life. What are some steps you can take to help reduce this stress?
Until next time, be well! And as always, let me know how it goes! Contact me today (info below) for a complimentary introductory call.
Ok, I know what she probably meant. She most likely was thinking that her workplace was an environment consisting of a lot of pressure with deadlines, a large amount of work, and perhaps stressed people around her. I can certainly understand that! Some work environments can be more stress-inducing than others. (Think Wall Street, for example.) But I believe there are ways we still reduce stress and the pressure on ourselves - given the situation.
Put it this way. If a Buddhist monk stepped into your position (just stay with me here), sat at your desk and took over your responsibilities, would he be frantic?? We become stressed when we ask ourselves, "Am I enough? Do I have enough (resources) to handle this situation?" We rehearse in our heads the possibility of a situation going badly.
In some situations, stress can be good, but acute stressors that occur chronically can adversely affect our health.
So I'm not going to harp on the negative outcomes of stress and what it can do to us, and I certainly do not want to evoke any fear. The bottom line is that we all know it is bad for us. I like to think about what we can do to reduce stress in our lives. Not just cope or manage or deal with stress, but reduce stress. So much of it is about prevention, right? There are risks we cannot change and risks we can change. Here are just some of the things we can do to for ourselves:
- Become mindful and aware of your thoughts (quite possibly the most important on this list)
- Do not make a mountain out of a molehill. Ask yourself, "Is this really important?"
- Meditate. You will feel calmer and more in control. (Meditation, repetitive prayer, yoga, tai chi, etc. all evoke a similar response.)
- Believe and have unwavering faith. Have positive beliefs.
- Be sure to make time for yourself and engage in activities you find enjoyable. Treat yourself.
- Get organized.
- Ask for help!
- Breathe deeply: Take lots of deep breaths throughout the day.
- Avoid drinking coffee all day long.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Do not try to do more than one thing at a time.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
- Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to arrive someplace.
- Turn off your computer, pager, cell phone, TV. Consider starting with a few minutes, then one hour; build up to a day!
- At work, take breaks throughout the day. Even a 5 minute walk can do some good!
Think about what you can do this week to reduce and prevent stress in your life. If you have a tendency to run late, you can reduce unnecessary stress by giving yourself an extra 15 minutes to arrive with a sense of calmness! This week, try to become aware of the causes of any stress in your life. What are some steps you can take to help reduce this stress?
Until next time, be well! And as always, let me know how it goes! Contact me today (info below) for a complimentary introductory call.
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