I have always had high anxiety and stress. I started to notice this same anxiety and stress in my therapy private practice too so I began to look at characteristics we had in common.Ā
Our environment is way less in our realm of control than our behaviours. So here are ways I noticed I was adding to my already stressful life..
1. Checking my phone š¤³š¼ Cortisol (the stress hormone) prepares us to reply to that email, message or comment. But if this happens too often you will be in a constant state of aroused emotions. Notice how many times you are checking your phone and adapt to what you would prefer.Ā
2. Rushing šš¼āāļøThere are too many things to be done and not enough time to do it. But are you rushing when you don't need to? When eating, walking, driving etc? Notice how you may be rushing, be mindful and slow down.
3. Multitasking š§ Research shows that this is a total myth! Our attention is broken into two tasks instead of equal focus on both. It is far better for the task at hand, and you, to do one task at a time. Notice how your attention is split and see how just paying attention to one task can reduce your stress.Ā
4. Auto pilot š©ļø It's when we go about our mundane tasks without really thinking about what we're doing, like when we are driving, walking, and eating. This has been associated with anxiety and stress but it's also a sign of burn out, which is a sign you are not coping well with stress. Try mindfulness for everyday activities.Ā
5. No pause āøļø Time and space can really help me to process the day. You can do this in your own way but make sure it's something under stimulating or doing nothing at all like meditation.Ā
If you need help with your overwhelming anxiety, panic or stress, get in touch today!
ć³ć”ć³ć