Stress Reflection

This week, I invite you to look at a particular stressor you are currently facing, just faced, or anticipate facing.

At first glance, how is it a threat? When you look through this lens of what's at risk? Notice how that feels. For me, I notice an increased intensity in my heartbeat and a little bit of constriction around my chest - a bit more fear-based.

Now, take a couple of breaths, step back a bit, and see it as a problem to be solved, or remind yourself that you have resources to meet the challenge. It's a subtle shift - from threat to problem to be solved. What do you notice? For me, my mind fills with possibilities and ideas, thinking of what resources I can look to - mentors, data, our team, etc. to begin to solve the challenge. I'm more focused, less overwhelmed. There is less constriction and more of a nervous/excited energy and clarity rather than fear or defeat.

What has happened in this nuanced shift is that you've changed from the fight or flight sympathetic response to the challenge response, still with some adrenaline but a different ratio having more DHEA, nerve growth factor, and other neurotransmitters. It serves me well in non-life-threatening situations when my brain is sending signals that I'm about to die (as I sit securely on a chair in a safe building with a cup of tea in my hand).

What did you notice? What situations do you want to become adept in utilizing this tool? I'd love to hear.