Stress - is it a choice?

Now answer this honestly:

When was the last time you sat down without your smartphone? 
Just you and your thoughts. Without a digital screen in sight?
Without the constant bombardment of information coming at you from different directions?

The world we live in now is moving at such a rapid pace that we can’t even pause to catch a breath.

And with all of this comes the good old companion - Stress.

From the pressures of work to personal challenges, the demands of daily life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

But just quickly - What is stress?

Well, it’s actually a natural response to perceived threats.

Our bodies naturally release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing us for a"fight or flight" response.

The big problem is that in today's world, the threats we face are rarely physical, and our bodies' stress response can sometimes be overexaggerated - triggered by situations that are not life-threatening.

Is there anything we can do about it?

This is where perception comes in. The actual power lies in how we interpret and respond to situations.

What one person may see as an insurmountable obstacle, another may view with a pinch of salt.

Why such a big difference?

One major reason is choice. Some people simply choose not to let something external get to them. They have chosen not to sweat the small stuff. They recognize that their perception shapes their reality. The meaning that they give to something affects how they react and this in turn affects their stress levels.

Now ofcourse there are things that are sometimes out of our control and sometimes life happens. We’re not talking about this type of situation here.

We’re talking about everyday ‘stresses’ e.g. on the road, at work, dealing with family etc. In the majority of these cases, you are in control. You have the freedom to choose. You have control over your reaction. You can decide now that you’re not going to stress over small things.

Examples

• Traffic Jam
  Stressful response: Getting frustrated, impatient, and road rage.
  Alternative response: Accept the situation as something beyond your control. Use the time to listen to calming music, audiobooks, or podcasts. Consider adjusting your schedule.

• Family Pressures
  Stressful response: Feeling obligated to meet everyone's expectations, leading to burnout.
  Alternative response: Set healthy boundaries. Embrace the concept that it's okay to say 'no'.

• Unforeseen Changes in Plans
  Stressful response: Resisting change and becoming frustrated.
  Alternative response: Embrace the uncertainty and view change as an opportunity for growth. Adapt your plans and find the positive aspects of the new situation.
  

Remember, the key is to recognize that you have a choice in how you respond to stressors.