Using Awareness To Counter Stress

In the fast-paced, high-stress world we live in today, it's more important than ever to find ways to manage our stress levels. 

Fortunately, as human beings, we have one unique advantage when it comes to stress management: awareness. 

By simply being aware that we are stressed, we can take steps to reduce our stress levels. 

For example, we can take work breaks to relax and rejuvenate ourselves. We can also learn stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga. 

And if we're struggling to cope with our stress, we can seek professional help. 

In short, awareness is power when it comes to managing stress. 

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that you have the power to change your situation - all you need is a little awareness, followed by action!

Quick Rewind

Before we get into the meat of this topic, let's rewind some basic definitions of stress that we discussed in a previous article (which you can find by clicking here.)

The stress response is a defensive mechanism of the body that causes our heart to work faster, enabling us to escape any environmental danger.

Nowadays, however, stress isn't triggered by any predators in our surroundings as it did when it was evolving.

Instead, modern-day stress is triggered by physical, psychological, and psychosocial factors.

Unfortunately, stress has become chronic in our society, and it is the main reason for various health problems in the population.

This is precisely why stress management is vital to anyone's daily life.

The Meditative State

A state of meditation is commonly known to be a relaxed and focused state of concentration. 

Most people believe that to meditate; one must sit in an uncomfortable position for hours on end with their eyes closed while mentally repeating a mantra. 

However, there are many different types of meditation with various purposes, which can be practised anywhere at any time. 

The goal of meditation is to focus and connect with the inner self without judgment.

Rather than use words/mantras, some people prefer to focus on their breath and the sensations in their bodies. 

In doing so, the person can better clear their mind and achieve a sense of inner peace. 

While it may sound like a simple task, reaching this state can be tricky for beginners. 

However, regular practice can become easier to achieve and can be a helpful tool for managing stress.

In time, you learn to carry this state with you. Regardless of the activity or situation you're up to the point where you don't even need to close your eyes.

Awareness, Meditation & Stress Management

One of the most important things is that our human brains tend to latch onto thoughts and feelings.

Once latched on to them, the brain creates similar thoughts and feelings that ultimately turn into an entire story.

We tend to believe those thoughts and feelings most often without even analysing them instantly.

And these are the same stories we create in our brains that set us off and keep us stressed.

Once you are aware of that and counter it with a meditative state, you can let those thoughts pass through you without latching onto them.

In doing so, you are drastically reducing the probability of sustained stress.

All you do is approach any situation and stress factor with an open, neutral mind that accepts that anything can happen (good or bad.)

Final Thoughts

We can't always change our environment, but we can change how we react. 

With greater awareness of how we react to stress and how it affects us, we can work on managing our reactions and improving our daily lives. 

What are some small ways you've managed your stress this week? Let's discuss!