Here is my first blog – on my new website. How exciting!
As April is stress awareness month I thought it would be appropriate to start off by asking you this question.
How does stress affect you?
I see a lot of clients who are stressed but when we delve into their lives
and situations this is not the problem, why not?
Stress connotates that we are not in control, we have feelings of overwhelm, exhausation and continually worry about what might happen. Stress is growing and now it is reported that 1 in 5 people suffer from stress. We perceive that our job is stressful, it’s a relationship problem but we never stop to think, is it me?
When I go out to do talks to coporate industries stress is very much seen as a sign of weakness, that they can’t cope and I believe that is why stress is becoming an increasing problem. Basically it is a symptom, like a headaches, migraines and IBS. When we start fixing the symptom we are not addressing the underlying cause. We are simply putting a bandage over the problem.
I have done this on numerous occasions. I thought I had stress issses because of my job – I changed my job to an industry where I thought stress didn’t exist BUT I still experienced burn out. So this lead me to believe that stress is caused within us and not by external sources.
First step : How do you react to stress?
We have to start by looking at ourselves, how we react to stress, how are we thinking and feeling. I always take my clients on the journey of really discovering who they are, what they want in life and then stress no longer becomes an issue.
I believe we are the creators of our lives – we are in control at all times, we have a choice whether to change or not. This belief really turns stress on his head – as when we are stressed we believe we are not in control and thus cannot change it.
What could stress be telling you?
Sometimes we need this sign to jolt us into action. We need to sit up and listen. Some people ignore these signs and carry on whilst others seek help. Don’t ignore these signs, they have a message, it’s time to wake up and accept responsibility.
Tip top : It is only when we take responsibility that we actually transform our health and our lives and eliminate stress.