HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS
Am I in the green zone?
I feel like I am on top of everything, coping well and perhaps even thriving. Maybe, I feel a little stretched, but it’s a good stretch, perhaps I’m learning something new, or have taken on a new task but I’m enjoying the learning.
Am I in the amber zone?
I feel like I am too stretched. Maybe I’ve got too much on, I’m starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. I can feel myself starting to get pressured, perhaps I feel anxious. Maybe my brain is feeling overwhelmed and racing, even when I am trying to get to sleep.
Am I in the red zone?
I feel frazzled. I’m exhausted. I have so much to do that I don’t know where to start. Maybe I’m more impatient with colleagues, friends and family. Perhaps I can feel myself getting a bit depressed, not wanting to do things that I normally enjoy. I don’t know where to start to improve things.
SO WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?
Am I in the green zone?
Lucky you. Keep going, enjoy what you are doing. And just keep an eye to make sure that you are able to maintain this.
Am I in the amber zone?
It’s great that you’ve realised where you are because you can start to do things now to make sure you don’t go into the red zone. Take time to prioritise what you have to do. Really prioritise – say no and delegate! Make sure that you are finding time to do things that support you and regenerate your energy levels. Build those activities into your schedule and make sure they happen. Take steps now to make sure that you don’t swing into that red zone.
Am I in the red zone?
Okay, so you have made the first step and have recognised that you need to do something. If we feel overwhelmed, sometimes it can feel like just another pressure when we try to help ourselves.
So, start small. Ask yourself:
What one thing could I do to help myself feel even a little better?
Could I make sure I have an early night?
Could I force myself to go out for a walk, or go to the gym?
Is there someone I could talk to? Sometimes just talking it through can help us to feel so much better.
Who could I ask for help?
What could I let go off, put off or delegate?
How could I give myself a break (even a little one)?
What do I enjoy and how could I fit a little of that into my daily life.
Commit to doing one small thing. When you are overwhelmed and stressed it’s not the time to add to the stress levels by trying to change everything at once. Those small changes all add up and make a real difference over time.
Change is difficult, but it starts with a small step. If you are feeling really stressed, start with the one easiest thing you could do today to help yourself. Remember, we need to help ourselves if we want to be able to be there for, and help, others. Self care isn’t selfish, it’s vital.