Is this you? Your alarm wakes you up in the morning, feeling tired you hit the snooze button, skip breakfast, face the traffic and arrive at work to an overloaded agenda and bursting inbox. You multitask your day away with gallons of coffee or energy drinks without a break, and unable to relax at home, you repeat it all the next day. If this is your “hamster wheel”, you’re not alone!
While a little stress is necessary to get us going, too much stress is called the silent killer, often linked to weakened immune systems, obesity, some forms of cancer, and dietary problems.
Stress less with the “four A’s!”
Avoid: While it’s not possible to avoid all stressful situations, become aware of your limits, time, and resources, and be selective about what you commit to. Learn to say “no” to things that are optional, but potentially stressful. Plan for deadline-driven tasks in advance to avoid last-minute stressors.
Alter. Can’t avoid or prevent a stressful situation? Alter or change it, if you can. For example, if you’re stressed by living with inconsiderate flatmates, plan to move out and share with other friends. Is the traffic crazy? Leave earlier or take the longer, less crowded route.
Adapt. Can’t change a situation or a person? Make an internal change in your attitude or mindset. Mentally list all the positive things about a person or situation. For example, view the task or person you dislike as an opportunity to learn something new or use the time standing in a queue to listen to interesting podcasts.
Accept. Sometimes, we can’t avoid or change anything about a situation or relationship that’s stressful, negative, or uncomfortable. No amount of willpower or positive thinking will make it any better. In these instances, we can choose acceptance. This is not a passive giving up, it’s a way to move forward. Non-acceptance leads to more suffering or being ‘stuck.’ Acceptance allows you to move on, but does not mean that you agree with a situation. It means that you recognise the reality of the situation or person, without attempting to change it, or even protesting it.
Reach out to LifeAssist for support in managing overwhelming stress.