How your thinking affects stress

The word ‘stress’ is bandied around a lot – some people use it informally to perhaps describe a time when they have a lot to do – they’re busy and maybe concerned about how they’ll get it all done; others will use the word when they feel everything is closing in on them and are in a state of high anxiety. It’s all relative and who are we to make judgements about how one person’s stress compares to another’s and the effect it can have? 

It’s very important to consider our mindset when we’re feeling like things are getting too much and to remember the brain cannot be in an open and resourceful state when we’re panicking, feeling like there’s no way out. The important thing is not to co-exist with these problems but to find ways of consciously helping yourself, whilst also recognising that seeking help and advice may also be beneficial.

Severe and clinical depression requires counselling, medication or a combination of both but with less severe symptoms which are tell-tale signs that you’re stressed or unhappy, it’s important to look at the root of the problem and to find ways to address the issue.

Have you noticed when we’re feeling anxious and stressed, finding a solution to a problem seems to elude us? When tense, we're generally in a negative state and our brain becomes in a way, closed off and thus finding creative solutions is more difficult. Remaining calm means we can be more effective and feel better able to take on challenges; the brain is more open and mobilised to seek and present solutions to our conscious mind. I'm not saying it's necessarily easy in a challenging situation to be composed but we do have the ability and therefore this makes it much more likely our brain can find an answer. Tenacity, self-belief and an expecting success mindset are key. It's about living life consciously.

No-one but you can make the necessary changes in your life to make the situation better. Recognise this and take the necessary steps to enable you to be the person you want to be, to lead the life you want to lead.

“Our way of thinking creates good or bad outcomes.” Stephen Richards