Stress sucks, and it’s an emotion that rapidly takes over if you leave it unchecked. Learn the stress reaction signals by paying attention to your body.
Photo by Nadya Peek
The Harvard Business Review interviewed experts about managing your reactions to a stressful situation. Before you snap at coworkers, says Maria Gonzales of Argonauta Strategic Alliances Consulting, keep your physical symptoms in check:
Train yourself to recognise “your physiological signs of stress,” says Gonzales. Perhaps your neck stiffens, your stomach clenches, or your palms sweat. These are all the result of what’s happening inside your body. “The minute you start to experience stress, your pulse races, your heart beats faster and hormones [including cortisol and adrenaline] are released,” she says. “This compromises your immune system and your ability to experience relaxation.” When you’re able to recognise the signs — instead of ignoring them — you’ll be able to start addressing the underlying cause of the stress.
Once you recognise those symptoms, you might try meditation or focused breathing. You’ll prevent that stress reaction from getting out of control.
How to Handle Stress in the Moment [Harvard Business Review]
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