The world we live in is getting faster, more complicated and technologically advanced by the day. We are bombarded by e-mails, faxes, texts, annoying mobile phone ring tunes, laptops, and I-books to mention a few, and then we are expected to do the tasks at work, that we are actually meant to complete.
With global communication being at the touch of a button and demands increasing day by day it is no wonder that stress related illness has become one of the most common disorders in today's society.
We are mere human beings, we are not battery powered, and the latest Microsoft programme can not enhance our functioning (Although I'm sure Mr Gates is on to it). Our functioning can not remain on overload permanently or we will blow a fuse. Therefore, we need to acknowledge and understand stress. Most importantly how to deal with it.
I have literally been living and breathing stress over the past few weeks, luckily however, not my own. Updating and revising the full series of Thompson Dunn Stress workshops has led me deepen my knowledge and understanding of combating and reducing stress. The conclusions are that stress reduction is a holistic system, with all parts as essential as each other.
In order to understand stress it is essential that we learn to understand ourselves. The better we know our behavioural tendencies, the more clarity we can gain on what causes us stress and why. If we feel that other peoples carelessness and low regard for work causes us stress and irritation, it could be a reflection of our own perfectionism and need for control, that is the root of the stress. Through a process of positive restructuring of all of our thoughts towards objects or situations of stress, we can change our thoughts and therefore behaviours towards the stressor. We can learn acceptance, non-attachment and see the benefit of the stressor along with a new way of viewing the world.
Psychometrics can help us to learn more about ourselves, by showing us tendencies for behaviour in different situations. They can also be extremely beneficial when learning about fellow team members. I firmly believe the more we can learn about ourselves the better we can understand the world we live in and those placed around us. A simple way to begin to understand our own behaviour is to look in a mirror (both real and metaphorically). What really pushes your buttons? What really causes you irritation? What traits in others causes you stress? The beauty of life is that we can learn from every part of it and all the situations we are in. We just have to want to.
By understanding the signs and symptoms of stress, both physical and psychological, we can begin to recognise them in others and ourselves. The odd sleepless night, the irritable stomach or the increases in smoking, drinking and unhealthy junk food are a few signs to tell that we need to stop and listen to our bodies. Armed with information and heightened awareness of the signs of stress, we can lead a life respectful within our own limits of a healthy level of pressure. Remembering that we are all wonderfully diverse, our levels of stress are likely to be equally diverse. Instead of comparing ourselves to other individuals stamina and ability to cope with pressure, it is beneficial for us, to begin with understanding our own levels of stress.
Whilst recognising our own behaviours and remodelling our attitudes towards positive and productive thoughts, we must look at the practicalities of our lives. In the workplace, this would be applying re-training, re-learning, time management and re-organisation. To provide optimal use of time when completing tasks and competent use of software and systems within the organisation, it may been that a little learning or re-learning is needed. It may even be that, your working day is cut by half by managing your time effectively and freeing you up to the tasks you never have time to do.
Learning your limits is essential. Learning to say 'NO' is crucial. When already overburdened and under extreme pressure, let other people know. It is not a weakness to admit that you are ridiculously busy and in order to do a job properly you do not have the time. It is not a weakness to recognise your own levels of stress, and it is definitely not a weakness to let your psychological and physical health be priority. These may seem like unrealistic statements and I can almost hear the 'well, she doesn't know my boss', but this is the age where people are being recognised as the core of the workplace. Let yourself have the courage and determination to reach your true potential in a respectful and healthy way.
Stress is not just a workplace issue, it should be viewed as a life issue. Think of a situation in your personal life and how it has still been on your mind whilst at work. Life is a whole, and in order to combat stress you can learn to understand how one part of your life filters into the other parts even if we are not consciously aware of it. Relaxation is a favourite word of mine. For the connotations of this word are different to us all. It may mean a relaxing walk along a beach, time to read or write, a drive in the countryside or the silence of meditation. Whatever is relaxation is to you, it is a past time I can not encourage enough.
The key to relaxation lies within you. There are many different activities that can be undertaken and enjoyed to promote relaxation and well being. To mention a few of the most beneficial and highly recommended to reduce stress include Yoga, meditation and T'ai Chi. The benefits of these activities are immense. Through breathing techniques it is possible to enhance, stimulate and energise the whole body and mind. Through control of the breath it is possible to reduce panic attacks and shallow breathing, common symptoms of stress. Relaxation may be a relaxing aromatherapy massage, joining a painting group or time with the family. Whatever it is for you, make the time to do it, not only to help to combat and reduce stress, but also to promote time for you to do the things that you want to do.
Throughout the Thompson Dunn workshops, a variety of extremely beneficial relaxation techniques are taught to help individuals to understand how simple it can be to reduce stress. Techniques that can be applied anytime and anywhere. For our world is changing at a fast rate and we must learn to adapt to this pace of work and life by evolving as human beings that are fit to the task. Reducing and combating stress is not a one off effort, it is the introduction and maintenance of simple life changes. It may only take a few moments to apply but in the long-term it may save your life.
Nicola Phoenix
Consultant Psychologist |  |
