May
2004
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Beyond Stress
We’ve all experienced stress, that awful sense that we are not in control. In times of stress, it’s important to determine what we can do differently so that our outcome will change. Each time your Practice hits a crisis, it would be extremely beneficial to analyze what happened and determine what you could do to attain different results next time around.
We all respond differently to pressure. It is likely that the more overwhelmed we feel, the less effective we will be in dealing with the problem. There are things we cannot change, so we may need to find ways to increase our coping strategy. Often though, if we open our minds, we may be able to find ways to turn even overwhelming challenges into powerful opportunities.
Joseph Sherren CSP, Canadian speaker and author, has worked extensively in the corporate environment, helping leaders and their teams become more effective at dealing with stress. Below is an article written by Joe, “Best to be Stressed”, that he agreed to share with the readers of PracticeProsperity. Enjoy the value it provides!
“Best To Be Stressed”
Stress is not necessarily the boogey man that many people fear. Researchers have discovered that some kinds of stress can actually produce positive results. Deadlines, public speaking, and other stressful challenges can, when they are met and conquered, trigger the production of immunoglobulins, a type of protein that strengthens the immune system.
On the other hand, stress we cannot change or control, such as the economy, stock market declines, or the war in Iraq, diminishes the immunoglobulin production and weakens the immune system. This will result in us being more susceptible to catching a cold, or actually becoming physically sick.
There are two kinds of stress. One is Ewe Stress, or positive stress, which actually inspires people with energy to accomplish
great things. (Think of cramming last minute for an exam, or preparing for an important presentation). However, if the stress impact is too great, is repetitive or lasts for an extended period of time, it becomes negative stress or Distress. This stress will take away our energy, and could result in anything from a mild depression to a chemical imbalance which might eventually immobilize us.
However, there is a way to turn our stress positive. That is by taking control of our stress and looking to the future. To do this, we must find a passion and purpose for our life and more importantly, appreciate what we have.
A study done by researchers at the Universities of California and Miami shows that people who consciously remind themselves every day of the things for which they are grateful, show marked improvements in their mental health as well as some aspects of physical health. The results appear to be equally true for both healthy college students and people with incurable diseases. Details of this study has been published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Try writing a daily gratitude diary listing five positive things about your life.
Compared with groups of subjects who counted hassles, such as “being cut-off by another driver”, “hard-to-find parking”, and “spouses who irritate them”, the grateful subjects felt better about their lives and were more optimistic. The college students who were grateful exercised more; the chronically ill adults reported sleeping longer and waking up more refreshed.
Being grateful was also superior to its distant cousin - seeing oneself as better off than others. People who took pleasure in the troubles of others did have better mental health than those who focused on their hassles in life, but worse than the grateful people. If you are one of those who exist on a day-to-day basis going through life perpetually tired, and feeling depressed, a possible solution to your exhaustion may not necessarily be rest. The solution may be to create a passion in your life.
By – Joe Sherren
Points to Ponder
Breath control is one of the most powerful methods to reduce anxiety. If you find yourself in a situation that seems totally overwhelming, take a deep, slow breath, and know – this too shall pass.
Stress-reduction strategies that take pressure off the mind such as meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises have the added benefit of improving one’s health. Aerobic exercise also improves cardiovascular and immune functions and helps to control our anxiety levels.
If stress is a recurring symptom in your Practice for either you or your team members, we’d be happy to talk with you. We can be reached at info@strategix-ltd.com.
About the Author
CoraMarie Clark, MBA is recognized
as a highly effective Dental Practice Strategist.
She works with dentists that want to optimize
their potential both personally and professionally.
Her collaborative approach has helped teams develop
dynamic competitive strategies and achieve high
impact sustainable results.
If
you would like to explore the possibility of having
CoraMarie work with your Dental Practice or speak
for your Association or Group, contact us today.
CoraMarie
Clark
phone 403.686.6136
email coramarie@strategix-ltd.com
web strategix-ltd.com
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