LISTEN TO PODCAST EPISODE 60 -> https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/TxWc9oVyUwb
In today’s episode of the Inspiration2grow podcast I am going to help you go from a stressed mindset to a growth mindset in a few easy-to-implement steps.
We’ve all been there -> the car won’t start, spilled coffee, lunch forgotten on the counter, slipped on the rug, dog threw up, stepped on a Lego piece – OUCH!
Some days got off to a rotten start and can derail pretty quickly.
It’s times like these, you want to crawl back into bed, pull the covers up over your head and just pretend the day had never happened. But, that’s really not an option for most of us. So, we need ways to combat the rising level of stress that we can experience in situations like these.
It all starts by changing the way we react to stress.
According to a recent study done by Harvard and Yale researchers, we do possess the power to adjust or alter our stress mindset and change how we feel and act in moments where we are under pressure.
The authors of this study identified two stress mindsets: a ‘stress-is-debilitating’ mindset -> referring to your view of stress as a major setback AND a ‘stress-is-enhancing’ mindset -> referring to stress as a chance to learn and grow.
I bet you know what I’m going to say, right? The second mindset is what we need to adopt.
“Individuals who endorse a stress-is-enhancing mindset reported having better health than those who endorse a stress-is-debilitating mindset,” the study authors found in their research. “Specifically, respondents reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety while also reporting higher levels of energy.”
Now, I know how this phrase sounds “change your attitude, change your mindset”. We have heard it so often and frankly, people are worn out hearing it. You always have the choice: allow the awful, unexpected situation to get you down and ruin the rest of your day. OR, you can choose to look at it from a positive perspective and laugh it off, shake it off or scream it off. Do whatever it takes to get over it and move on. Don’t let the bad days get the better of you – EVER.
Develop a new resolve to take on the world!
You have to make a very conscious effort to flip the script and see the situation as a challenge worth accepting.
Bring it on! I am ready to tackle whatever comes my way!
Change your mood, change your outlook and adopt a positive view of the given situation. It’s a kind of super-power and it can be yours too.
“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances.”
―Andrew Bernstein
You can go from a stress-is-debilitating mindset to one of stress-is-enhancing in a few simple steps:
First of all, we have to RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
If you’re a competitive person, like myself, you can take the approach and view your stressors as an obstacle you just have to overcome. Of course, this is far less physical and daunting than a triathlon competition, but, as the researchers found, treating your stress as something you learn from as opposed to dwelling on the negative aspects can help you feel less stressed.
Next time you run into a challenge (computer problems), try flipping your entire perspective of the situation. Instead of seeing it as a blocker or a dampener to a good day, shift your thinking to: “Okay, I see you morning challenge and I accept.” Then, dive in head first and tackle it.
Bring it on! I am ready to tackle whatever comes my way!
“Stress should be a powerful driving force, not an obstacle.”
“Stress acts as an accelerator: it will push you either forward or backward, but you choose which direction.”
―Chelsea Erieau
Secondly, step away and take a break
There are physical acts that may help you flip your stress mindset, too. It might seem counterintuitive but step away and take a break from whatever it stressing you at that moment. Gain some perspective by going for a walk outside, make yourself a snack or a meal, practice deep breathing. Nothing fancy necessary – just take a few deep breaths. Remember the episode where I mentioned the 5 x 5 box or the 6-2-8 breathing technique. These will work as well.
The goal is to take your mind off the stressor and come back feeling more resilient and solution-oriented.
According to TIME magazine, you can wash away the day and send your worries and stress right down the drain by – singing in the shower. While doing so, you release endorphins and oxytocin, a hormone that’s know to alleviate stress and anxiety.
So, the next time stress is starting to get the better of you… ditch your clothes, get the water running and the suds flowing to your best singing voice.
Thirdly, go for a run or do a solid workout
When we exercise, our bodies produce a chemical called endocannabinoid, which helps us de-stress.
Your mind and body will thank you a hundred times over after the workout is done.
The bottom line here is that stress is a natural part of our day-to-day life. We really can’t avoid it, but we can find better ways of dealing with it. We can flip the script and face the stressors head on from an ‘in-charge’, ‘in control’ approach rather than ‘I can’t handle this’ ‘my day is ruined’ view point.
“Calmness is the cradle of power.”
Always remember that YOU have the power to frame a situation in your mind as positive or negative. You can let it get you down or you can allow it to lift you up, make your soar.
It all begins with awareness of how you are letting stress affect your life.
Adopting the right attitude can turn a negative stress into a positive one.
And, that’s my message for today, friends.
I hope to have inspired you to grow.
Til next time,
Lisa xoxo
