Once you’ve discovered your hidden stressors, the actual levers that control your stress, it’s time to do something about it.
Traditionally stress management programs start here and offer recommendations of yoga, meditation, self care, massage, relaxation, etc. Although great, these techniques often end up working like bandaids offering temporary relief while the underlying issue continues to activate you.
These days much of our stress is related to interpersonal conflict or inner dialogue. Basically how we communicate with others and how we communicate with ourselves makes up the bulk of our burden of stress.
Actually, I should rephrase that to say “lack of communication” because that’s what’s happening in the workplace.
We haven’t been taught healthy conflict resolution skills which leads to a lot of passive aggressive or avoidant behavior which leads to an emotionally/mentally unsafe environment which leads to stress (and loss of productivity).
Add in there somewhere the inner dialogue that is layered on top of this dynamic “It must be me, what did i do, i’m not good enough…” and it’s no wonder we are facing a stress epidemic!
In order to really do something about it we need to set healthy boundaries, communicate those boundaries, move from criticism to curiosity, and treat people like people.
Sure someone will get defensive, sure someone won’t want to talk to you, and sure there is no guarantee that the issue will be resolved. But at least you are operating from a solution oriented place and doing the best you can. Plus, the alternative sounds much worse in my opinion.
Who wants to come to work and get the cold shoulder by their colleague, NO THANK YOU.
Put it to the test
Take the challenge, apply the Stress Detox 3D framework for one week, build your awareness, monitor your stress levels, see if you can notice your own symptoms of stress as they arise, and do something to stop it in its track.
Stay mindful,
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