Summary: Mental health has been upgraded. And it’s about time! It’s not just for those you label “nut cases.” It’s for you, and you, and me. For example, many people these days are talking and worrying about their mental health. Here’s how to remain calm, cool, and collected when extra stress is thrown your way.
When fear shows up, here’s what happens
Above all, I am getting questions about what to do when fear escalates. Not just fear, self-doubt, and then overwhelm often cause a standstill rather than a move forward.
My clients are all requesting more information about mental health, resilience, and productivity.
Does that sound like you? Even a little bit?
Consequently, it’s time to take a mental health break.
Is it a stick or a snake?
For instance, here’s a scene I bet each of you has encountered. I know I have.
Imagine you’re taking a walk in the woods. It’s a clear, sunny day, and you just needed some alone time in nature.
You’ve been stressed out, and some peace is just what you need.
Meanwhile, in the distance, you see something that looks a little ‘squirrely’ out there. Something looks out of place.
As a result, you become hypervigilant. Tenser, less relaxed, you move slowly and quietly.
Self-doubt wants to win
Subsequently, you stand still and ponder.
To clarify, you say to yourself. “Nope, it’s not a squirrel.” Then you say to yourself, “Is that a snake? Or a stick? Or what? Is it moving? Isn’t it moving?”
After much deliberation, you realize it’s a branch from a tree. It’s not moving. No nothing! No venom.
“Whew, it’s just a damn stick.”
After that, you take a long, deep breath. Then you begin to relax and even laugh at yourself for being so uptight.
Subsequently, you keep going. And being a good samaritan, you take the stick and toss it into the underbrush.
Now, it will not bother anyone else. You keep walking, enjoying the warmth of the sun, the smell of the grass, and the sounds of the birds.
While you can now applaud yourself for your strong mental health, you still have questions.
Why stress hits the red button
At the same time, you begin to wonder why you felt so much stress. Why did you get so nervous? Why did it take so long to calm down when it was just a plain old stick?
Above all, part of the answer is genetics. We have survival skills handed to us from our ancestors. They have been around for thousands of years to keep us alive, to protect us.
Certainly, that’s a good thing. You need to be alert and watch out for danger to life and limb. However, sometimes these cautionary skills get out of control. You can become afraid of everything.
Moreover, you start to worry about working, walking, living, breathing, and being with each other.
What to do to keep your brain under control
Above all, it’s imperative to know what to do to function effectively with stress at a high level.
Moreover, I want you to understand what happens in your brain.
For example, your brain’s program moves toward rewards and away from punishments. It likes what’s good and away from what you think is bad.
For instance, walking in the woods is fun. If what you saw was a snake, you would be afraid and back off. That’s a good survival skill. You are still alive and healthy.
On the other hand, if it’s a stick, that’s no big deal. You keep going without your heart pounding out of your chest.
Give yourself a reward
Moreover, here’s what happens when a reward is available. You know, like taking that stick and pushing it aside so it won’t scare anyone else? You get a reward.
Most importantly, even if no one saw you, you did a good deed. After that, your brain gives you extra dopamine to make you happy.
Success is the answer to self-doubt
To clarify, I don’t want to go into a major scientific understanding of this right now. But, I really want you to get this mental health example showing the power of doing a good deed.
In addition, think about when you strive for and get a promotion; of course, you feel good. When you help a colleague, you get that dopamine surge. Even moving the stick out of the way creates a positive feeling.
Your brain is saying, all right, let’s give them something outstanding to work with. Let them feel good!
Success is adapting to the moment
On the other hand, what happens when you face a frightening situation or difficulty? Or when you move into overwhelm? There is an important question: How do you handle it?
Firstly, here’s my theory based on a lot of research and working with thousands of people. It’s about adapting to the moment. It would be best if you take a deep breath and think to yourself, “I can conquer this situation. Why? Because this too shall pass. “
Further, consider the importance of change. Change is the way of the world. Check out my webinar about change on my website. Think about one of the great leaders during a difficult time in America. That was when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He reminded everyone about tough times with his famous saying: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Talking to yourself can help you de-stress
So, what do you do when you’re in a difficult situation? For instance, when things aren’t going your way, when you have to cancel an important meeting or when you don’t get the promotion?
Above all, take a deep breath. Further, say to yourself, “and this too shall pass.”
In addition, that will give the brain a little more room. You can almost hear, “Well, if it’ll pass, maybe soon I can juice you up. I’ll send some dopamine and make you feel better.
In conclusion, find a quiet place. Somewhere you can dance a little bit, sing a little bit, look at a lovely movie. Take the time to handle your anxiety by doing something that will give you a dopamine surge. I promise you will feel better.
Then you can say to people, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” And, guess what, in helping others, you will also feel calmer and more balanced.
Here’s to your success,
Sylvia
PS Join my free Stress Mastery Facebook group here. And if you want a good dose of dopamine, join the 7-day Sanity Challenge. I guarantee it will give you less stress and more peace. And for an extra dose of dopamine, remember, there are prizes! Your brain will be extra super happy.
