How To Strengthen Your Stress Resilience

A lot of us have been taught that stress is bad and we should be completely stress-free to be truly happy. A shift in this perspective is important to understand how we process stress. We have the ability to reduce stressors in our lives as well as strengthen our stress resilience.

When you shift your mindset about stress you shift your body's response. If you believe stress is bad for you - it creates a negative response in your body. Your body's response to stress is preparing you to get more oxygen to your brain, preparing you for action, etc. In a typical stress response, your heart rate goes up and your blood vessels constrict (why stress is related to heart disease). If you shift your mindset to "my body is preparing me to respond" then your blood vessels remain relaxed. This way there is less harm done to your body while you’re experiencing stress. This shift takes time and we are not always going to be perfect, but it’s important to start small. Over time due to neuroplasticity, the ability to change your neural pathways via changes in behavior, this shift will become a habit. The more you practice this mindful response to stress, the more natural it will become.

While you’re experiencing stress, remind yourself that you are grounded and your body is reacting normally. You have the power to shift your mindset and shift the way your body responds. We can also practice activating our parasympathetic nervous system which helps us feel a sense of grounding. A few ways to activate this system are to place on hand on your heart and one hand on your stomach, take 3 deep breaths - breathing into your stomach or practice meditation. There are many ways to manage your stress response. Another great way to cultivate a sense of calm is to use the acronym STOP. S - stop, take a pause. T - take a deep breath into your belly and exhale out your mouth. O - observe, notice what’s happening in your body and in your environment. Maybe name 1 thing from each of your senses (touch, taste, feel, smell, see) P - proceed, either carry on or take a break.

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