Are you a Stress Magnet?

Introduction

According to our research here at Human Synergistics, our personal orientations and thinking styles can contribute to - or detract from - our levels of distress, and in turn, the symptoms of strain that we experience.

Based on data collected using two of our diagnostic tools, (Stress Processing Report (SPR) and LSI 1 (LSI)), those who experience more symptoms of strain are also more likely to have some of the below:

• A negative self-image (e.g. self-blaming, pessimistic view of the future, negative view of the past, etc.),
• An external locus of control (i.e. a belief that events are controlled by others rather than by self),
• A negative interpersonal orientation (e.g. generally distrustful of others, feel excluded when around others, negative expectations with respect to social interactions),
• An undirected and unrealistic orientation towards goals, and
• A pressured orientation toward time.

So what are some of those symptoms, and which ones might you be experiencing?

• depression,?
• nervousness,
• sleeplessness,
• anger,
• headaches,
• difficulty in thinking clearly or expressing one's thoughts, forgetfulness,
• overeating,
• loss of appetite,
• tense neck and jaw,
• grinding teeth,
• shortness of breath,
• chest pains,
• back pains,
• medical problems, etc.

Don't ignore these symptoms - it's your bodies way of sending you a message. It will send stronger messages if you ignore them by taking no action!

So what can you do to reduce your stress and strain?

Based on the research findings described above and Behavioural Self-Management approaches to change, people can take action to reduce their stress and strain by managing the antecedents and the consequences associated with healthy personal orientations and styles. While the below is not comprehensive and there are many other things you could do, below is a solid starter list.

Specifically you should/could:

Take stock of your current thinking styles.?The first step in any change process is to clearly understand the current situation. Personal Mastery, the SPR or the LSI 1 are some of our tools and processes that measure patterns in thinking and behaviour that are related to stress, symptoms of strain, overall health and well-being, as well as to personal and interpersonal effectiveness.?

Identify the consequences of your current situation.??Being clear about how your current thinking and attitudes are creating the symptoms you feel is important.??But also ensure you identify the consequences of experiencing those symptoms.??(e.g. if you’re feeling constantly tired, then you may not have quality time for the kids, or if you're feeling angry you may snap at a co-worker who then doesn't respond effectively for your requests for collaboration).

Set goals for how you want to live.??Establish goals – identify your desirable future state - the how you want to live your life. This creates a powerful “WHY I SHOULD CHANGE”.??A lot of people work on the tactics but quickly give up because they don’t have a strong enough ‘business case for change’.??(E.g. “I want to spend two high quality hours with the kids each day, and help fulfil their potential”).??This is a powerful reminder of WHY you are working on improving yourself.

Identify the more healthy orientations and styles that you want to adopt.?A positive self-image and interpersonal orientation, an internal locus of control. a self-directed and realistic orientation towards goals, a relaxed orientation towards time, and generally Constructive thinking (i.e. Achievement, Self-actualised, Humanistic-encouraging and Affiliative) are all associated with better health, overall well-being, and lower levels of stress. After reviewing your current orientations and styles, establish some specific goals around those orientations and styles that you'd like to change and improve.

Remove or reduce obstacles to healthy thinking and behaviours.??At least some factors in your environment (e.g. people, tasks, expectations, appraisal and reward systems) are likely reinforcing or encouraging your current thinking and behavioural styles.??Identify those factors or ‘cues’ that seem to trigger unhealthy thinking and behaviours and then work to reduce or completely remove them.??For example, eliminate unrealistic expectations or deadlines and reduce or eliminate interactions with people who are negative or untrustworthy.

Actively seek and create opportunities to develop healthy thinking and behaviours.??Participate in activities that will likely boost your sense of competence, self-control, and purpose.??For instance, attend workshops, development sessions (including podcasts and read blogs) or volunteer for opportunities that will develop healthier thinking and behavioural styles.??In addition, create cues that will help reinforce and remind you of the healthy orientations and styles you are trying to develop.

Monitor your progress.??Keeping track of your progress is important to maintaining your motivation to change.??By monitoring your personal orientations and thinking styles over time you’ll be able to gauge your improvement as well as determine the effectiveness of your change strategies.??If they are less effective, change the strategies, but keep true to your goals!??Keeping a journal is one of the most effective tools you can use.??You can monitor as well as set new goals and strategies as you grow.

If you would like to learn more about our approaches to building more resilience in your work or home life, please do not hesitate to contact me [email protected]

The images are from the awesome Gapingvoid Design Group - Thanks Team!