Close to the Edge - Yes

As we head into the dark days of November and beyond, it may feel like there's not a lot to smile about right now. I know that I'm seasonally affected by the lack of daylight and I'm already yearning for the warm days of Spring '23 to brighten my mood - however until then I'm not going to get stressed about it. In fact, I've never really felt stressed about too many things in life and I did write about stress a couple of years ago when I outlined some thoughts on stress-management and how to deal with stress and it's negative implications. If you can engage with some of the ideals then you'll find that your stress levels might decrease. Here are some thoughts:-

First Pillar – Visualise Stress

Prioritise

Quote - ‘Prioritise and regain control’…

 

There’s a feeling of being overwhelmed by stress where anything however big or small becomes hugely and equally stressful. Making a list where everything is given a value out of ten helps prioritize where to direct energy and provides a positive feel-good feeling when tasks are completed. It also helps quieten the white noise that surrounds stress.

 

Second Pillar – Personal Development

Learn

Quote – ‘Learn to read your warning signs’…

 

Stress is a recurring emotion and has a high probability of producing a series of negative feelings and consequences. Being able to identify when things are starting to go wrong and taking a ‘time out’ for reflection and redirection can not only help rebuild a tricky situation but can provide a waymarked way to positivity.

 

Third Pillar – Handle Stress

Acceptance

Quote - ‘Accept change and adapt to the environment’…

 

When we are stressed, it feels like everything is going wrong but being open to change can reduce stress dramatically. The acceptance of change can provide an inner feeling of calm and provides a firm foundation for the future. The world we live in is currently going through a great time of uncertainty and being able to adapt to whatever changes come our way is vital.

 

Fourth Pillar - Motivate

New

Quote – ‘New patterns of behaviour don’t happen overnight’…

 

There’s no miracle cure for stress. What we do have is time to engage a new method of stress-management and coping as new thought processes and behaviours take time to build. It doesn’t happen overnight but every day is a step towards a brighter future. Prioritising our thoughts, learning how stress affects us and accepting of our predicament will help deliver a new and hopefully less-stressed future.

Let's face it, atm there are enormous stresses in most areas of our lives - being able to acknowledge them and act accordingly is the key and as I said this morning in my quote box, knowing where the limit is vital to success.

1,142 Marathons - 269 Ultras - 15 Marathon des Sables - 9 Guinness World Records