Do you know anyone who is living a stress-free life? I thought so. So, the answer is no, even though some may seem to have an easier ride than others. Planet Earth is a testing ground for building resilience to stress for all of us.
Consider The “3 A’s” approach to coping with earthly challenges.
• ACCEPT the reality of what is causing stress. On lucky occasions, denial can work. But then we could be setting ourselves up to get walloped, or for the situation to get worse.
• Become AWARE of the impact that stress is having on mind and body.
Mentally:
First, have you identified the stressor?
Can you separate what’s happening from your response to what’s happening?
Have you historically been a worrier?
Were you told that you couldn’t be a warrior?
Have you easily lost your grip in the past?
Where did you learn that you cannot be empowered?
Were you somehow robbed of confidence?
Can you trust or re-trust your instincts?
Physically:
What is your body telling you?
Who might be a pain in your neck?
What are you being asked to shoulder?
Who or what can’t you stomach?
Does it feel as if your body has been hijacked?
What would it take to reclaim it?
• You have the power to ADAPT to an unwanted reality.
Steady yourself with the built-in tranquilizer of a deep breath.
Step back from the situation to gain perspective.
Separate what is happening from what your response is to what’s happening
Trust that you can find your built-in shock absorbers.
Be careful about well-meaning advice from others.
Ask what are your options for action?
Everyone feels swamped eventually. Worry has a disruptive energy. Use that energy to halt the hijack, and shift from feeling vanquished to feeling victorious.
Helen Adrienne 212-758-0125|, helen@helenadrienne.com
@Copyright 2025 Helen Adrienne
