“Ships don’t sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”
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Stress is a normal and necessary part of our everyday life. It helps us to do what we need to complete and progress in life. But chronic stress can have a direct impact upon our health and well-being.
We can’t eliminate stress from our life but we can learn how to respond to it.
During the times when our ancestors were hunters and gathers everything was about survival. When in danger all our body resources would go straight into the brain. In a stressful situation we need to be alert to make quick decisions (fight or flight – stress response). For a caveman it was quite a straight forward process.
Danger – stress response – decision: run away or fight – when the threat has passed go back to the cave and relax.
Nowadays there is no wild animals waiting for us, we don’t need to hunt. Instead there is pressure, expectations, long “to do” lists and dead lines leading to chronic stress. But our body reacts exactly in the same way.
So how to change it?
We forgot how important it is to “go back to the cave” and relax. We keep pushing ourselves, living in permanent tension, keeping our mind occupied all the time. To the point of exhaustion. And when we feel tired we drink another coffee telling to ourselves: I don’t have a choice. I have to do it!
So ask yourself and answer honestly:
- Do you really have to do it? Who said that?
- What is the importance of that?
- What is the consequence of not doing that?
- How important is it for you, for your health?
- Can you delay it? Can anyone help you?
- How can you change it in the future?
Because you do have a choice!
Anna
If you feel that stress has taken control over your life, call me for a free consultation or email me to find out how I can help you.
07449 430340
Sessions: online or in Chelmsford, Blackmore, Essex
Download free relaxation audio to free your mind! www.justimaginetherapy.com