Turning Stress to Strength in 2020!

Acknowledging Our Emotions

Start 2020 by recognising your emotions. Validating how you feel. No matter what your feelings and emotions are. If you’re stressed, anxious, sad, stagnant etc, acknowledge it and then you can work on improving it.

No matter how much we try, stress is often unavoidable in our busy lives - juggling home, work, money struggles, relationships etc. However, one way to combat stress is to first acknowledge it. I wonder how many times you have said “I’m fine” when actually inside you are feeling overwhelmed, full of anxiety and as if you’re drowning. Stress can spark a fight or flight response in our bodies, that can be very draining.

Feeling stressed for long durations can have very adverse affects on not only your mental health, but also your physical health, such as lowering your immune system, constant headaches, over eating/underrating and feeling fatigued.

Are You Stressed?

Ask yourself this question, but when doing so think about the warning signs that suggest stress-

~ Unable to concentrate for long periods.

~ Inability to switch off and relax.

~ Feeling more irritable and having mood swings and at times over-reacting.

~ Withdrawing from social events or family get together.

~ Insomnia.

~Your body feeling constantly tense.

What is the Cause of Your Stress?

Unfortunately there is no light switch you can press to turn stress on and off (if only there were) The first thing you need to do after recognising you’re stressed is identify the cause. Sometimes this may not come to you straight away, so it may be helpful to get a notepad out and write down things you feel are worrying you. Alternatively, you may want to carry this around with you for a few days and log moments you feel consumed with stress and then look back and see if there were any patterns occurring. It is also ok to notice that more than one thing is causing you stress. It is also very important to be honest with yourself and acknowledge that sometimes the stress we are feeling has been spurred on by our reactions to the situations life has dealt us, more than the situation itself.

Let’s Turn our Stress into our Strength

Now you have identified the cause(s) of your stress, you can now be proactive and look for ways to improve this.

~ Prioritise the things you need to do and make a manageable to do list, giving yourself ample time to achieve each task and do not feel like a failure if you cannot do everything at once, and know that it is absolutely ok to ask for help.

~ Learn how to say “No.” It is not rude or a sign of weakness, but saying no to taking on more work, or more stress inducing tasks, shows you are taking care of your well being and that is so vitally important.

~ Give yourself time to relax and exercise. Your well-being (mental and physical health) needs to be your overall priority. Believe me, you will deal with life a whole lot better if you’re on top of looking after yourself.

~TALK! Talk to people about how you are feeling. Your feelings are always valid and you may find that talking about them not only helps you but the people around you.

Enter 2020 ready to regain a sense of self and strength.

#lecture #education