June, 2018
We all experience stress. Limited doses of stress can be energizing and helpful. Many of the clients I have coached claim they function best under stress. This is an accurate assessment as long as the stress is of short duration.
We all know the ecstasy associated with the final workday before a planned vacation. Typically it is the most productive time since we are in a “getter done” mindset and there is a finite amount of time to complete what needs to be done before we start our cherished vacation.
“Long-term stress can lead to increases in chemicals that are toxic to our brain.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the ongoing, daily grind that you associate with negative stress. Longer-term stress leads to the release of chemicals (such as cortisol) in our body that are toxic to our brain. Among the possible negative outcomes are Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
We become drained and exhausted when our cognitive and emotional stress is combined and our ongoing ability to focus, concentrate or tap our memory recall is minimized.
As this Harvard Business Review article suggests, starting with our internal awareness and then consciously taking designed steps is an effective means of effectively coping with negative stress.
Take a step back and record what gives you stress. Once you know your stress triggers, activate the steps outlined in the HBR article to help you regain control of your choices and your life.
Recommended Reading:
- Visit Harvard Business Review – Article “Reduce Distrations by Figuring Out What’s Causing Them”