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[post_date] => 2021-04-08 15:30:57
[post_date_gmt] => 2021-04-08 14:30:57
[post_content] => It is important to know the difference between psychological and emotional stress, and then to know how to handle each.
Imagine the neck as the dividing line. In our head we can have psychological stress from worries or anxieties, and in our body, we can have emotional stress from the way we feel. From the neck up we are cognitive, and from the neck down we feel emotion. Occasionally either our thoughts or our feelings can get out of control and when that happens, we need to use techniques that can help us to control it, rather than for it to control us.
Psychological stress (worry and anxiety) is something we can all face on a daily basis. To combat this, we need to have mental self-control. It is important not to take anxiety to bed at night. When going to sleep it is important not to think about worries, problems or even conversations we have had. When listening to someone describing trauma, sadness or pain, imagine you are a mirror for them to see themselves in, and not as someone to absorb their pain or sadness. Do not get into the rescuing mode when listening to problems, always ask them how they plan to fix it. Do not provide solutions or answers as this can be both exhausting and fruitless, and you often find that they will do it their own way in the end. Never dwell on the past or look back, as you cannot change it.
Understanding and supporting emotions can be difficult at first, but its important for our wellbeing. Trauma from the past can lead to pain or sadness being buried deeply. When feeling emotional pain, we may attempt to control it by the way we breathe, as if we are fighting the anxiety, or we may try to avoid it altogether becoming very cognitive and tense. If we feel emotion taking over, try the following technique. Close your eyes and imagine you can see the pain or emotion, imagine placing your hands on it, then hold it and picture yourself being kind to it. Talking about how you feel to a trusted friend or putting your emotions down in writing will also help. It is important to have a support network, which could be a list of friends with whom you spend time, as well as having regular support through supervision.
A balance of work, rest and play is essential. We need to have a good night’s sleep along with periods of rest and relaxation. A balanced working day with breaks for refreshment is important. We must also include play in the form of recreation, hobbies, sport or just having regular walks in the countryside. Walking through woodland breathing in the phytoncides, has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
As more and more people are suffering from the effects of stress, especially in these trying times, it is important that we apply all the techniques available to help us manage stress successfully.
David Smith BSc (Hons). MBAC. RSHom
Material published in this section of the website does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Society of Homeopaths.
[post_title] => David Smith : How to manage stress
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It is important to know the difference between psychological and emotional stress, and then to know how to handle each.
Imagine the neck as the dividing line. In our head we can have psychological stress from worries or anxieties, and in our body, we can have emotional stress from the way we feel. From the neck up we are cognitive, and from the neck down we feel emotion. Occasionally either our thoughts or our feelings can get out of control and when that happens, we need to use techniques that can help us to control it, rather than for it to control us.
Psychological stress (worry and anxiety) is something we can all face on a daily basis. To combat this, we need to have mental self-control. It is important not to take anxiety to bed at night. When going to sleep it is important not to think about worries, problems or even conversations we have had. When listening to someone describing trauma, sadness or pain, imagine you are a mirror for them to see themselves in, and not as someone to absorb their pain or sadness. Do not get into the rescuing mode when listening to problems, always ask them how they plan to fix it. Do not provide solutions or answers as this can be both exhausting and fruitless, and you often find that they will do it their own way in the end. Never dwell on the past or look back, as you cannot change it.
Understanding and supporting emotions can be difficult at first, but its important for our wellbeing. Trauma from the past can lead to pain or sadness being buried deeply. When feeling emotional pain, we may attempt to control it by the way we breathe, as if we are fighting the anxiety, or we may try to avoid it altogether becoming very cognitive and tense. If we feel emotion taking over, try the following technique. Close your eyes and imagine you can see the pain or emotion, imagine placing your hands on it, then hold it and picture yourself being kind to it. Talking about how you feel to a trusted friend or putting your emotions down in writing will also help. It is important to have a support network, which could be a list of friends with whom you spend time, as well as having regular support through supervision.
A balance of work, rest and play is essential. We need to have a good night’s sleep along with periods of rest and relaxation. A balanced working day with breaks for refreshment is important. We must also include play in the form of recreation, hobbies, sport or just having regular walks in the countryside. Walking through woodland breathing in the phytoncides, has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
As more and more people are suffering from the effects of stress, especially in these trying times, it is important that we apply all the techniques available to help us manage stress successfully.
David Smith BSc (Hons). MBAC. RSHom
Material published in this section of the website does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Society of Homeopaths.