Managing stress before it becomes too much

A Lust for Life, with the help of 1 Giant Mind founder Jonni Pollard, are on a mission to support you getting your meditation groove on and over the coming weeks we will be sharing out some helpful tips, tools are resources. Now, time to look at how we can stop good stress turning bad…

A little bit of stress in your life is great to make you motivated and get things done. However this good stress can turn into bad stress really quickly when we’re under pressure and don’t give ourselves the time to recover. It’s really important to recognise the symptoms of stress building up and be able to manage its negative impact. Here are 10 simple techniques to get you started.

1. Meditation is recognised as one of the most effective ways to reduce your stress levels, dissolve fatigue and boost your immune system. Daily meditation assists you in recovering from the negative impact of stress. You become better at managing the day’s challenges and demands, and can start each day feeling fresh and confident.
2. Know the difference between a stressor and a stress reaction. Stressors are the situations that trigger stress reactions. The stress reaction is the pressure you feel in your body that makes you feel ‘stressed.’ Often we mistake the stressor for the stress reaction and blame the outside world for what we are feeling inside. When you realise that feeling stressed is an internal reaction to an external event, you take responsibility for your experience. Empowering yourself with this understanding, you become better and better at making choices and decisions that help keep your stress levels down.
3. Communicate with yourself about how you are feeling and where you are at. Develop a strong dialogue and ask yourself questions. You’ll initiate a flow of communication and be able to pick up on stress turning bad earlier in the game. You can then instigate ways to make yourself feel more present, connected to what you are doing and capable of accomplishing the task at hand.
4. Be honest about your capabilities. Stepping into the unknown and challenging yourself is a great thing, as this is what makes us grow. However, self-growth at the expense of your wellbeing isn’t really smart progress. Be honest with yourself about how much you can take on and know your limitations. Take considered steps and look after yourself when you feel the pinch of fatigue.
5. Listen to your body. So often we ignore what our bodies are telling us they need and we push ourselves past the point of optimum functioning. That’s when you start to feel fatigued, overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout. It is so important that you listen to your body and give it the time and space to regularly rest and recover from the negative impact of stress.
6. Early nights before big days are really important. If you know you have a big day or week ahead, it’s important you give yourself enough horizontal rest time. Waking up tired and pushing yourself hard throughout the day is only going to compound the fatigue and is a sure recipe for stress.
7. Be prepared. To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s a good thing to think of what’s ahead of you and prepare as much possible. Any good filmmaker will tell you that pre-production of a film is as important as the shoot itself. Planning for what’s ahead gives you confidence that you have done what you can for you’ve set out to do. When we aren’t prepared, we freak out. A little preparation goes a long way in staying cool.
8. Eat fresh healthy food. Diet plays a huge role in maintaining a sense of wellbeing. If you are tired, run down and constantly eating high fatty foods, you are denying your body what it needs to remain vital and resilient. Avoid skipping meals or supplementing them with coffee or energy drinks. Stimulants can have a big impact on your nervous system and easily trigger a stress reaction. Stay hydrated and eat regular meals to keep your body and mind synced up and in balance.
9. Regular exercise is proven to release endorphins and make you feel good. Even if it’s just a few times a week, getting your heart rate up and your body moving is highly beneficial for your wellbeing. Yoga is a great way to exercise and release tension in the muscles, creating greater flow of energy and a clearer, calmer mind.
10. Share what’s happening in your life. So often, averting a big stress response can be as simple as talking things out with friends or family. It’s so important to establish relationships with at least a few people whom you can be open with about what’s happening in your life. Cultivate these relationships and connections, as they are one of the most precious things you can have. Honour those people you can be very open with and be sure to return the favour of lending an ear when they need it too.

The 1 Giant Mind ‘Learn to Meditate’ App is free, easy to use and facilitates expansion of the mind and deep bodily rest. If you haven’t already and want to get started right away you can download our app now for free. This program has been created by experienced meditation teachers who know exactly how to get you on the meditation horse and riding like a pro in no time.