Thinking About Stress in a Different way and a Few Things That Might Just Surprise You.
Stressors are those things that are out of our control. Stress profile is what is in our control:
- Our thoughts lead to
- How our body reacts which leads to
- How we feel and respond
Unhealthy thoughts around a stressor we cannot control
- People will be angry with me
- I am angry with me
- My day is ruined
- I should be a better parent/person/insert role here…
Lead to stress reactivity:
- Muscle tension
- Heart racing
- Digestive upset
- Labored breathing
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate
- Tension Headache
Resulting in strain:
- Illness
- Mistakes
- Strained relationships
- Depression
- Inability to function and make decisions
Healthy thoughts coming from a healthy perspective:
- This is going to be okay
- The damage is done so I will take a breath and reassess how to get this back on track
- Things do happen and this is definitely a setback. I am going to have to call in backup
- This is not great but it is not as bad as I thought
Results in stress reactivity:
- None or greatly limited
Results in strain:
- None or greatly limited
Healthy perspective on stressors:
- Can motivate us to make steps toward needed change
- Can move us toward finding resources
- Can help us to ask for help in a constructive way
Compassion requires two parts: what we give others and what we give ourselves. When we fill our cup with compassion, we have more to give to others.