Break the 'Cycle of Stress'
As part of stress awareness month, Care First have shared the following information for colleagues of WeST.
Have you ever tried to relax, only to find that your mind quickly wanders back to worries about work, pupils, money, relationships, or world events? Perhaps it seems that the more you try to relax, the more tense you get. Well, you're not alone. This is the common "cycle of stress." The good news is that there are some simple ways you can break this cycle.
Often, it's simply a matter of remembering ... remembering to breathe ... to be in your body ... to be mindful of what's really happening ... and to remember to smile.
Here are four quick pointers that may help you break the cycle of stress, especially when you find yourself right in the middle of it!
Breathe
Think about how you are breathing; make sure you are sitting comfortably with your back straight.
Now slow down your breathing making sure you fully inhale and then expel all the air from your lungs as you exhale. Concentrate your mind on achieving a regular slow but comfortable rhythm.
Be in Your Body
In the midst of stressful situations, remember to let your body help you release tension. There are numerous ways:
- stand up
- touch your toes
- stretch your legs
- roll your shoulders
- rub your feet
- force a yawn
- take a walk
- shake your arms loosely
- scratch your scalp
- exaggerate a sigh
- rotate your neck
- massage your jaw
The list is endless ... and all of these can help you break out of the cycle of stress.
Be Mindful
This is just a matter of paying attention to what is really happening.
The idea of seems simple but try to ask these questions of yourself in the moment:
- What am I noticing?
- What am I feeling?
- What are my thoughts?
- What do I need or want right now?
- What action is called for, or what am I willing to do?
This is intended to help recognise options, make wiser decisions, and to honestly /accurately communicate your experience to others. In other words, you will be more likely to break the cycle of stress.
Remember to Smile
It's important to keep a sense of genuine curiosity and natural inquisitiveness about yourself and your personal journey to well-being. A little cosmic giggle now and then is a healthy part of maintaining balance in your life.
And it actually takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown!
Disclaimer. This article is for general information only. We cannot be held responsible for any actions you might take as a result of it. Please seek medical advice before making any significant change to your habits or lifestyle.
We also have a brilliant opportunity at WeST for colleagues to complete an Introduction on mindfulness Taster session which is led by Richard Woodland, Director of Inclusion.
Online Taster Session: Tuesday 3 May, 4.15 – 5.30pm
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H74x0ghpjEO5_sDOHVTP6kReAnkfXnZDgs6uabBrt_RUNExGWjJLS1hEWDE1WDg5RjcwTTFXTFVLOS4u
Registration form for 8-week mindfulness course (Thursdays 4.15 – 5.45pm from 19 May to 14 July)
For those colleagues who have already attended a mindfulness taster session (e.g. such as the ones delivered on 28 February INSET day at Morley Meadow)
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H74x0ghpjEO5_sDOHVTP6kReAnkfXnZDgs6uabBrt_RUMExYRjFFQlhKSTVKSTIzV1JFUlM2OEFHMS4u