Create fearless strategies to effectively grow from stressors!

Create fearless short and long-term strategies to effectively grow from stressors!

People work out, they stress their body, and their body gets stronger from stress. Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Stress has the ability to help us get stronger. When we fearlessly engage with the positive or negative stress it will help us to even grow stronger in difficult times. This is a conscious decision we have to make. It also includes the process of designed strategies to help us grow when the stressors appear.

In the 3 previous blogs we discussed the basics of stress, the type of triggers and its effect on our life and physical body. In this last blog on the series we will discuss possible strategies that can help you to grow stronger even in stressful times.

Which are some short-term strategies we can use to grow when we have intense stressors in life? Here are 3 easy strategies to implement:

1. Distraction. When you experience high levels of stress, take a break and do something else you enjoy. This will help your brain to find solutions and put the stressor in a realistic place while you focus your attention for a short period of time on something else. Examples include; take a coffee break, go for a run, phone a friend to hear how they are doing.
2. Spontaneous relaxation. Selective relaxation such as breathing techniques can help you to let go of unnecessary tension you experience due to the stress. Examples include; deep breathing exercises for 5 minutes, moments of silence, relaxed walking outside.
3. Let off steam. Screaming into a pillow is often seen as not being able to control one’s emotions, but that is not true. Often stressors create emotional tipping points that need to go. The only way to do that is to scream into the pillow, stomping your feet or tackling that boxing bag. Whatever you do just make sure you don’t hurt yourself of others. The key is to do this in a safe environment and to calm down afterwards. Examples includes; punching a pillow, screaming out load or into a pillow or letting go of the emotions by crying out at others (without them being in the room).

These short-term strategies give temporary relief and energy. One has to also build long-term strategies. From all the strategies I find these 3 strategies are key to growing from stressors.

1. Problem-related strategies. Often stressors linger or keep coming back because we did not deal with it at root level. To deal with stressors at root level one has to take time to problem solve and find solutions for the specific thing that causes the stress. This is where procrastination or avoidance will increase the impact of the stressor rather than growth. Timely risk taking to implement the solution is key here. Find a way that helps you to solve problems. I use the 4 stages of Roger Von Oech, as spoken about in the book, A kick in the seat of the pants, to help me. Here is a brief overview of the 4 steps.
   1. Write down all the things related to the problem.
   2. Connect different aspects of the explorer phase and write down 2-3 possible solutions or options to solve the stressor.
   3. Compare the different solutions and judge what will realistically work and not work in the situation.
   4. Go into battle mode and take action to implement the appropriate solution.

2. Social Support. This is such a crucial part of life. We all need support. When we are under pressure, it’s always good to get the insights, wisdom and perspectives of confidants, mentors, friends and family. Write down 4 specific people you could count on and ask them in the next month to help you next time you experience stress. Confidants are a great resource to help us grow our stress muscles.
3. Body-related strategies. Nutrition, sports, habitual relaxation and exercise are such great pillars to help us deal well with stress long-term. I am so thankful for my daily exercise routines I did the last 7 months in lock-down. From walking up and down our stairs and 30 minutes exercise in the garden and garage to rock climbing and running. It has all helped me to deal better with the current crises. The key with exercise is discipline. As Eliud Kipchoge said “Only the disciplined in life are truly free.” Free yourself of negative stress by creating a healthy and disciplined exercise and nutritional program.

These long-term strategies will help you to build a healthy foundation. This will aid you in handling even bigger stressors in the future.

What can I do next? Here are 3 possible next steps.

1. Find out which short and long-term strategies have worked in the past and implement them.
2. Decide on 2 short-term strategies and 2 long-term strategies from the list above and implement them immediately.
3. Read a book on one of your strategies to get more ideas and fine-tune the strategy.

We wish you all the best as you fearlessly engage stress and grow even stronger!

Complete your personal stress assessment and get support in handling your stress effectively!

Attention all trainers, HR and coaches! You are invited to attend our Persolog Stress Profile License Training 29-30 October 2020.

Contact us at info-sa@xpand.eu or 079 434 9030 for more information.

Sincere greetings,

Xpand South Africa

Empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.