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Stressed Out? The Tell-tale Signs
We offer here, courtesy of our Art of Leadership Instructor, Robert Gass, a list of ways to let go of some of that tension and avoid burnout. Read on and learn to identify, handle and prevent stress.
THE TELL TALE SIGNS OF STRESS
- Very shallow breathing or rapid breathing
- Physical sensations: “ping-pong balls” in shoulders & neck muscles, clenched fists, upset stomach, headaches, clenched jaw
- Restlessness, agitation, feeling like you can’t sit still
- Difficulty in paying attention, spacing out, falling asleep
- Feeling irritable, frustrated or edgy
- Emotional outbursts
- Anxiously thinking about what or how much you have to do
- Continually looking at the time
- Feeling sorry for yourself; feeling victimized or martyred
- Recurring intrusive fantasies of taking off to Tahiti or going to live on your favorite remote island
- Bonus! from the women at Hollyhock Leadership: Voracious unstoppable craving for chocolate or other junk food
WHAT TO DO WHEN STRESSED
- Name it
- Create space appropriately
- Shift state – breathe -move your energy with exercise or other means -feel your deeper feelings - connect to your purpose - exaggerate or be playful with your feelings - use meditation to center -let go – do whatever works for you
- Deal with your situation
TIPS FOR PREVENTING STRESS
The best way to cope with stress is to use a bit of E.N.E.R.G.Y. to prevent it.
E Exercise: Work out, play sports, go for a walk or bike ride
N Nutrition: Cook and eat well (local and organic where possible), cleanse regularly
E Enjoyment: Take time out to have fun – go dancing, listen to music, socialize, get away, read a book
R Relaxation: Rest, meditation, yoga, talk with friends, garden
G Growth: Learn something new that excites you, join a group or club, connect with new friends, get outside your familiar routine
Y You: Find out what’s right for you
With Julian Griggs