It’s too much. It never seems to end. It’s coming from all angles. I get through one challenge and another pops up. It’s like playing Whack-A-Mole.
Those are sentiments that I hear several times a week. It’s hard to remember a time, at least in my lifetime, when there’s been a period of so much prolonged change and upheaval. It’s no wonder we’re tired … yet, still wired.
What’s a high-performing, caring individual to do?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and our mental health deserves some vital attention whether we experience a diagnosable condition or not. The quality of our lives and livelihoods depends on it.
Full disclosure – I’m not a therapist. However, I have decades of personal experience on this topic. Anxiety has been a life-long companion of mine. It’s only been in recent years that I’ve stepped beyond feeling shame or flawed because of it. Truthfully, A+ (the pet name for my anxiety) is either a superpower or kryptonite, depending on what I do with it.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about harnessing the power of stress for good. Note: The list is a starting point for your exploration, not an exhaustive or definitive solution. If you are experiencing severe distress, please seek the help of a counseling or medical professional.
It’s Not ALL in Your Head – Our bodies are physiologically wired for stress. Thank our prehistoric ancestors for that – when survival meant constant scanning for threats and dealing with them. This “flight or fight” response sticks with us today. However, we are rarely faced with mountain lions in our modern-day world.
Bottom line: experiencing stress is unavoidable. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging in doomsday.
Tend and Befriend – Did you know stress and excitement show up in the body the same way? And usually, the initial sensation only lasts under two minutes. It’s what happens after those two minutes that lead to prolonged angst or forward momentum.
We can tend to our stress by taking a few deep breaths. Seriously. It sends a relief signal to the body and mind and puts us in much better shape to make decisions. When was the last time you made a great decision while stressed out?
Stress is not our enemy. It means well and wants to protect us. But it is often misguided and needs some help in the perspective department. Learning to sit with stress and not let it take the driver’s seat is a skill worth honing. The first step is to notice it, name it (A+ for me), and consider it a caring friend that has your best interest at heart.
Turn Stress Into an Ally – Wait! What?! You can’t be serious. Stress as an ally??? It’s true. Stress is a horrible pilot, but it can be a decent co-pilot. Here are some of my favorite stress-channeling questions:
- What story is stress telling me?
- What is true right now?
- Is there something worthwhile I need to pay attention to?
- What is my ultimate hope or goal in this situation?
- What is one small step forward I can take?
Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list or solution, but rather a starting point to spur things in a more productive direction. I hope it serves you well, also. For more ideas on easing the stress in your life, check out one of my favorite resources, EasterSeals. Be sure to download their comprehensive guide for Mental Health Month.