Navigating Stress, Anger, and Anxiety.
As a professional who has grappled with stress, anger, and anxiety throughout my various careers and personal life, I've come to understand that these emotions aren’t aways enemies, but as signals to be heeded.
Is easier said than done managing these emotions and it’s important to understand when and why these particular emotions crop up for you. environment. One of my key triggers has always been a sense of unfairness or witnessing intransigence in the face of necessary change. The frustration of seeing "the way we've always done things" prioritised over more effective solutions can be maddening. However, I've learned that reacting in the heat of the moment rarely leads to positive outcomes.
The importance of not acting at the height of emotions cannot be overstated. In these moments, our ability to think clearly is compromised, often leading to decisions we later regret. Yet, it's equally crucial to recognise that inaction or simply letting things go isn't always the answer either. The key lies in finding a balance – acknowledging our emotions while not letting them dictate our actions.
Understanding our personal limits and triggers is fundamental to this process. For me, recognising the physical signs of stress and anger – tensed muscles, quickened heartbeat, shallow breathing – has been crucial. These bodily responses serve as early warning systems, allowing me to implement calming strategies before emotions escalate.
I've found great value in the work of Prof Steve Peters, particularly his book "The Chimp Paradox." Peters' model of the human mind, which he likens to three teams – the human (rational), the chimp (emotional), and the computer (memory) – has been instrumental in my approach to managing stress and anxiety.
This framework helps explain why we sometimes react irrationally and offers practical strategies for managing our "inner chimp".
When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to specific techniques that help soothe and calm me:
Mindful breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting clarity.
Physical activity: A brisk walk or quick workout can help release tension and improve mood.
Reframing: I try to step back and view the situation objectively, asking myself, "How important will this be in a week, a month, or a year?"
Expressing myself assertively: Instead of bottling up emotions, I've learned to express my concerns calmly and clearly.
Seeking support: Talking to trusted colleagues or a mentor often provides new perspectives and emotional relief.
It's crucial to remember that these "negative" emotions aren't inherently bad. They're evolutionary responses designed to protect us. The fight, flight, or freeze response, while sometimes overwhelming in modern contexts, is our body's way of preparing for potential threats.
By viewing stress, anger, and anxiety as information rather than enemies, we can use them as catalysts for positive change. They can highlight areas in our work or personal lives that need attention, spurring us to advocate for fairer practices or more efficient systems.
In conclusion, managing stress, anger, and anxiety whether in the workplace or outside of work is an ongoing process of self-awareness and skill development. By understanding our triggers, respecting our limits, and employing effective coping strategies, we can navigate these turbulent emotional waters more successfully.
Remember, it's not about eliminating these emotions entirely, but about harnessing their energy to drive positive change – both in ourselves and in our professional environments.
