Stressful Times in Life
The only constant in life is change I was told many years ago. Change in both your personal and professional life is inevitable and can be energizing or frightening.
Many times, change happens “to you” versus you actively seeking out the change. This can be very stressful and overwhelming.
On the other hand, there is beauty and power in being open to new ideas, new things, new situations and opportunities that allow you to experience yourself fully, tap into skills you have not used or stretch beyond your comfort zone in various areas.
“When you open up and become vulnerable to new opportunities it stretches you to new ideas, beliefs, knowledge, connections and possibilities. You’ve got to reframe your mindset to open your mind to the wonderful opportunities that change can bring." (Erica Ferguson, 10 Ways to Handle Stressful Life Transitions)
If you are hesitant embracing change or are suddenly faced with it, conquer it with the following:
1. Feel the feeling.In a stressful situation allow yourself to feel the feeling, acknowledge it and then take action to turn it around.
2.Take action.Identify and use things available to you that help you to alter the feeling of stress, overwhelm, negativity and worry. It can be as easy as taking three deep breaths, walking in nature, meditating for a few minutes or thinking of a mantra that helps you to change your state. Have your “tools” ready to use when you need them.
3. Mindset.Focus on what you want. When situations are stressful we too often put our attention on the problems. Turn this around and consciously focus on what you want the situation and your future to be.
4. Manage your mind.Become aware of the “little voice” telling you all the terrible things that could happen and that you don't deserve better. Heard it? Just click “delete” and focus on what you want.
5. Gratitude.Be grateful for the daily things we often take for granted - the sunshine, nature and birds singing. Look for nature’s signs to greet you. This allows you to feel better and magically things will get better.
6. Appreciate yourself.I love giving myself smiley faces when I look at my daily “to do list” and check off what I have accomplished. Remember how far you have come! There is no one better than yourself to appreciate YOU.
Ulrike Berzau, Executive Coach & Consultant, works with individuals, teams and organization to achieve exceptional results in life and business. With extensive experience as healthcare executive, she is known for providing highly respected insights and creative solutions to secure continuous advancement and excellence. Ulrike has an unwavering passion for igniting the talent and brilliance in others and her international and multicultural experiences allow her to relate to a diverse audience. Her ambitious, yet well balanced, positive and inspiring mindset is the catalyst of her own success and assures the success of clients, staff and organizations.
Ulrike is the co-author of the International Best-Seller Imagine a Healthy You and an inspirational speaker. She is certified as Thinking into Results Consultant, Passion Test Facilitator, ASAP Engagement Consultant and Achieve Today Coach, and holds a Master’s Degree in Management, a Master’s Degree in Health Science, Physical Therapy, and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.