Managing stress Simple steps to gain control

Managing stress

Simple steps to gain control

by Erin Saunders, Leica Geosystems

When we aren’t able to resolve the cause of the stress, or if the problem continues unresolved for too long, it can become prohibitive to getting things done, and can even negatively impact our health and wellbeing. This is chronic stress.

Combatting chronic stress

So what should you do to prevent it from becoming chronic stress? First, when you notice stress, it’s important to understand what it is and where it’s coming from.

Attitude of gratitude.4

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash

Our world is constantly changing, which can cause challenges and stress. But stress doesn’t

always have to be a bad thing. Stress is information and energy that can be used to fuel some sort of change in our work or personal lives. By understanding what stress is and how it impacts us, we can harness some of the energy caused by stress for good. What is stress? Stress occurs when there is a gap between demand and capacity. When we don’t have enough time, stress can help us get hyper-focused to get more done with fewer resources. Stress is not good or bad—it’s simply a triggering of hormones in response to a perceived threat in our environment. It’s easier to try not to categorize stress but to remember that stress is what happens when there is a gap between what we are trying to get done and the resources available to do them. When we feel stress, it’s information that our brain is signaling to tell us that something needs to be adjusted. If we can make those adjustments, it’s not a big deal. This type of stress is tolerable and can actually be helpful in spurring us into action.

In general, we stress about things we care about or that are important to us such as our work, our families, or our co-workers. This is a good reminder to appreciate the stress of the moment. It’s our bodies trying to tell us there’s something that is meaningful to us that is stressing us out. Being grateful and appreciative shifts our brain chemistry to be able to think more clearly, logically, and even creatively so we can problem solve more effectively. Then think about adjustments that can be made to either reduce demand or increase your capacity to handle stress. Just breathe. One of the easiest ways to help calm our nervous 4 system and take a step back from feelings of stress is by breathing. It’s amazing how quickly our breath can shift us towards a more calm state. When we breathe slowly and fully, we calm our heartrate and signal to our brains that we are safe. The next time you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, start by breathing in for a count of five and out for a count of five. You can do this anywhere. As you breathe, try to bring awareness to your breath. Notice how it feels. The more you practice this, the easier it will be to slow your breathing in times of stress. Focus on the positive. Another way to combat stress is to shift your 4 attention to something positive. Research suggests that when we feel a positive emotion like joy, love or gratitude, we dramatically change the chemistry

in our brains and bodies, which reduces stress hormones. One of the quickest ways we can make this emotional shift is to think about something or someone we feel grateful for. This is not to minimize the reality of life’s challenges, but to shift the way in which we think about them, which in turn gives us greater capacity to cope. Get moving.4 There are also things we can do in our day-to-day lives that can help us combat stress and making time for exercise is one of the best things we can do. Any kind of physical activity, including low-impact options like yoga or walking, can have a positive impact on stress. Exercise gives us endorphins, helps reduce the negative effects of stress that build up throughout the day, and has been shown to be as effective as medication for people suffering from mild anxiety or depression. Exercise routines sustained over time spur physiological changes that cause our nerve cells to make new connections, which help us feel better.

Making peace with stress

Stress is never going away. Our bodies will always have a reaction to stress that is tied into the survival instincts of our brains. But by learning to identify the stress, by increasing our capacity to handle stress, and by trying some simple stress-reducing techniques, we can use that stress to help us accomplish our goals and to create better balance in our lives.

About the author

Erin Saunders is Regional Human Resources Business Partner with Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon.

P: 770.326.9517 E: erin.saunders@leica-geosystems.com