The Ubiquity of Stressors
So far, so fine. But here’s the thing. (Of course, there’s a thing!) The world is full of could-be stressors. Sometimes one big thing can weigh you down. In other moments, it’s lots of little events and circumstances.
The Fight-or-Flight Response
The “fight-or-flight” stress response is forever on alert, but it was never meant to be always on. Nor is it equipped to judge levels of alarm. “It may not know the difference between a mammoth and a traffic jam,” the Centre for Studies on Human Stress explains. “It secretes the same stress hormones while you are stuck in traffic or being chased by an aggressive bear, which have the same effect on your mind and body.”
The Impact of Chronic Stress
The body gets mixed up and run down when always dealing with “crisis” situations. Everyone is different. Some people thrive on deadlines, love public speaking, and like to get lost. There is no one-size-fits-all way to cope.
The Centre for Studies on Human Stress is a champion when it comes to helping people of all ages and stages.
They offer the following 10 tips that might inspire you to think about the way you cope. Experiment here, try one tip, then another. Find what works for you!
10 Tips For Tackling “Crisis” Situations
1. Be positive
Think of obstacles as a chance to learn.
2. Make connections with people
You’re not alone!
3. Make the choice to not overreact
Deal with each stressor one at a time.
4. Deal effectively with mistakes
Own it, apologize and propose a solution.
5. Take an objective view
Look at your stressor in the right context.
6. Deal effectively with successes
This will build on your competence.
7. Communicate
Don’t ruminate or bottle up your emotions
8. Develop self-management
Train yourself to fully prepare for your task or activity.
9. Accept yourself (and others)
No one is perfect.
10. Maintenance
Practice, practice, practice for a long life of resilient living.
References
Wellbeing Canada. (n.d.). Workplace Wellbeing. Wellbeing Canada. Retrieved from https://wellbeing-canada.ca/workplace/
