Spotting the Culprits: Identifying Stressors

Stress can be sneaky…

It can creep up on you little by little and before you know it, you're overwhelmed. ??

Understanding what triggers your stress is key to not only managing it but avoiding it as much as possible.

The thing is, we each have unique stressors, those specific things that stress us out.??

You need to be aware of those stressors, so you can get ahead of them before they get too much.

Here are some tips to recognize your stress triggers:

1. Stress Journal

Keep a stress journal. Note down when you feel stressed, what’s happening around you, who's involved, and how you react. Patterns will emerge, helping you identify your common stressors.

1. Mind-Body Connection

Pay attention to your body’s signals. Is there a headache creeping up during certain meetings? Does your energy dip when facing certain tasks? Your body often knows stress is coming before your mind catches up.

1. Emotional Check-Ins

Regularly assess your emotional state. Are certain thoughts or situations consistently triggering anxiety or frustration? Recognizing these emotional responses can be a big clue in identifying stressors.

1. Social and Environmental Factors

Your environment and social interactions can be significant stressors. Notice if certain places, conversations, or people leave you feeling drained or tense.

We also have a video where I explain more about Identifying Stressors. Watch it now!

Now, once you've identified your stressors, you can start to tackle them.

This might mean setting boundaries, changing your environment, altering your response, or seeking support for challenges you can't handle alone.

So, try creating a plan to manage your stress better:

?? Plan Ahead:? If you know certain situations stress you out, plan how you'll handle them in advance.

?? Seek Support: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can lighten the load. Sometimes, just vocalizing what you're going through can bring relief and perspective.

I always suggest doing this with someone who will point you back to remembering who you are and whose you are, though. I’m not a fan or advocate for toxic venting.

?? Learn Relaxation Techniques: Equip yourself with techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to calm your mind when stress hits.

?? Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Seems like common sense, Regular exercise, good sleep, and a balanced diet can improve your resilience against stress. I recently cut down significantly on gluten and dairy and it has been life-changing.?

The goal isn't to eliminate all stress – that's impossible – but to manage it in a way that it doesn't take over your life.

Remember, knowing your stressors is like having a map of an unfamiliar city. It won't prevent all wrong turns, but it'll certainly help you navigate better.

?? Now, it's your turn! Have you identified any specific triggers that cause stress in your life? How do you handle them? Share your tips – it might be helpful to others!

Want even more tools and guidance to manage stress effectively?

We offer that and even more in our Stress Resilience training! Click here for more details. ??

Create a great day,

Amanda + Team Mako Mindfulness #MakoMindfulness