I was a stress head who bottled all my worries and anxieties inside
Every once in a while the pressure would get overwhelming and I would erupt like an angry volcano that just woken from a deep slumber.
Chronic stress is deeply ingrained in modern society and it's a rarity to encounter someone completely devoid of it. Our existence unfolds within high-pressure settings that invariably give rise to stress. Even when we clock out, the mental weight of professional duties remains tethered to us.
What's particularly disconcerting is how ill-equipped many of us are to handle these stressors, often allowing them to erode our health and relationships.
I've explored various stress management techniques, spanning from mindfulness-based stress reduction approaches to sharing a few pints too many with friends to drown my sorrows. While all of these methods provided temporary respite, none offered a lasting solution.
Through my journey, I've identified two methods that have proven effective for me. Both are conceptually straightforward but incredibly demanding in practice.
#1: Remove Yourself from the Stressful Environment
The swiftest way to alleviate stress is to distance yourself from its source. However, this isn't always feasible, especially when we have responsibilities and commitments to uphold. For instance, if your workplace is a major stressor, you can seek employment elsewhere in a more conducive corporate culture. Yet, addressing stress at home is often more complex.
#2: Shift Your Focus Away from Work
Many of us struggle to detach from work and redirect our attention elsewhere, except during vacations or when completely disengaged from our daily routines. The constant immersion in work makes it arduous to break free and shift focus. This necessitates finding a means to redirect our attention towards unrelated goals.
These alternative goals could be:
Strengthening relationships with loved ones, be it partners, parents, children, or close friends.
Pursuing side businesses or passionate projects.
Acquiring new skills that provide a sense of accomplishment, such as in music, creative arts, programming, or social media marketing.
Enhancing overall well-being through fitness, improved dietary habits, or mental health practices like meditation and journaling.
To quote Tony Robbins, "Where focus goes, your energy follows." Shifting your focus doesn't eliminate workplace challenges, but it situates them within the broader context of your life. If you aspire to prevent work from monopolizing your existence, you must prioritize the other facets of your life that hold greater significance.
What are your most effective stress management techniques? Share your insights below