Overcoming the Barriers to Stress Management
Stress Awareness month is just around the corner and so I decide to focus March’s blog on the topic of stress.
Rather than going into the detail of what stress is (I’ll be sharing a number of different resources for this in my community newsletter!) Or detail how to relieve stress, again there are very few people I come across who don’t understand what they need to do. The bigger challenge which I come across more and more frequently is overcoming the barriers to stress management.
“When I am stressed I just struggle to do anything for me, while I know it isn’t, it seems counter-productive to ticking off my ‘to do’ list”
“I just don’t have the time to manage stress. I work long hours and by the time I get home I’m exhausted. And that’s after making tea, putting the kids to bed and catching up on a few emails”
“stress management and self-care has become another item on my ‘to do ‘ list. It makes me feel stressed just thinking about it”
In the workshops I run about stress, and the management of stress I steer well clear of a ‘tell’ presentation. I avoid telling people what they need to do. In reality, many people already know what they should be doing.
I find it more productive to educate on what exactly stress is and how it happens. And then listen to the barriers which get in the way of people relieving stress. That is what we then work on, how to overcome the barriers. The emphasis on my workshops is the HOW. The small practical steps which we can take and implement. And from experience this is much more valued than the WHAT to do!
In this blog I wanted to share some insights which you may find useful.
1) Managing stress when your wellbeing is low
If you are struggling. You’re feeling stressed, or overwhelmed. When you’re experiencing low mood or low levels of motivation. Being proactive with your wellbeing can feel even more of a challenge. There are a number of ways this can be addressed:
- Amend your goals. For example exercise when you are feeling good may be something more strenuous. Perhaps a run or a jog. When you’re struggling look to replace with something a little more palatable. Perhaps some nice yoga stretches may feel more within your grasp. Review how you are, and amend your activities accordingly.
When the likelihood of you completing something strenuous is minimal, focus on something a little more achievable. This will help your mindset as you will have achieved the goal. And doing something is better than nothing.
- Understand your triggers and plan ahead. If for instance public speaking is a major stressor for you, and you have a presentation at the end of the week. The likelihood is you will feel more frazzled in the run up to that event. This is because your brain is sensing danger and trigger the fight flight or freeze response. Cortisol and adrenaline will be heightened. Therefore expecting to have the same energy that you usually would is a little more unrealistic.
Plan your activities according to the presence of triggers. And for this to work you will need a good understanding of, and acceptance of your triggers.
2) Stress management activities and self-care is yet another item on the to do list
When you work long hours, by the time you get home, you’ve done your chores. Perhaps all you want to do is relax in front of the TV.
Very often self care activities take a backseat in terms of priority when we are feeling busy. While we know they are important, it is often the discomfort of the to do list which takes priority. With self-care being a ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘must have.’
While self care activities don’t immediately cross things off your to do list. They do energise us, make us even more productive and efficient at doing those other tasks.
Therefore consider:
- Bringing your self-care into your day to day. Perhaps park a little further away from work or school while doing the school run. Even if just a couple of times a week that could equate to at least 40 minutes of walking. Keeping active also is a great stress reliver
- Take a lunch break. It allows you time to recharge. Whether that be by preparing a nutritious lunch (rather than a quick Greggs pasty on the go) Or you take the time to get out in the fresh air and take a walk. Or spend some time reading a book or doing something that you enjoy. You’re entitled to your break, maximise its potential! You will also feel better in the afternoon and more focussed and productive.
Get in touch
If you would like an interactive stress management workshop for your team please do get in touch we would love to help. We can fit your time requirements, and sessions can be run either online or in person.