As a leadership coach specialising in improving leadership of high risk/high performance entities, I’m constantly helping leaders to keep themselves and their people from being stuck in a stressed state.
Stress is caused not by the situation, but by the reaction to the situation.
Essentially it occurs in the mind of the person and is caused by the release of adrenaline and cortisol, both of which are harmful to your health if prolonged or not released quickly.
Blood is drained from the brain to the large muscles; cognitive thinking and peripheral vision is diminished and automatic reflexes take over.
This is not an appropriate state in which to solve challenges.
Also if the stress is prolonged over days or weeks then the following can occur:
- Broken sleep and discomforting dreaming
- Hair loss
- Facial and limbic twitching
- Skin rashes
- Abdominal fat
- Stomach ache and intestinal problems
- Frequent colds and flu symptoms
In order to reduce the stress the critical component is to recognise that one is in fact stressed.
Then take action.
Here are the five minute action steps:
- Stop what you are doing, and sit down with your back straight.
- Take 10 deep breaths.
- Write down the five top realities in your life for which you are grateful e.g. family, health, education, job security, your sport etc.
- Examine each of the five and ask yourself “Why am I grateful for this?” Take your time pondering these, it’ll be less than 5 minutes.
- Notice now how you feel.
- Take another three deep breaths.
Now you are ready to act more effectively.
Re-examine the situation that caused you the stress from a positive “I can resolve this” position.
Prioritise your steps.
Take action in a calm and centred state.
How do you deal with stress?
