Stress & Mental Fitness
Humans, like most other living organisms on Earth, do not function well under chronic stress. Physical and psychological stress serve an essential function in keeping us safe from acute threats to our safety and wellbeing, but repetitive or ongoing stress has terrible consequences for our bodies due to its physiological impacts. And while it’s obvious that chronic stress adversely affects our emotions, sleep and performance, we may not always be aware of the more subtle impacts it has on our mental functions.
When under stress, we are under the influence of hormones and neurotransmitters that activate the “survival” areas of the brain. This is useful when reacting to an acute threat, triggering an enhanced ability to fight or flee from danger. It’s also meant to be fairly brief in duration; when the threat is past, our bodies can return to a non-stressed state when given the chance. When stress is ongoing, this response never fully turns off.
Chronic stress shuts down regions of the brain responsible for sustained focus, decision-making, learning, and memory. Our performance, relationships, and sense of well-being deteriorate. Under chronic stress we may try to cope by using maladaptive behaviors like overeating, becoming socially isolated, and using alcohol or other substances excessively. These behaviors can worsen our stress and limit our ability to respond in healthy ways.
While the brain is responsible for triggering the physiological stress response, it is also responsible for determining what is an actual threat and what kind of response is needed. It may seem that this is beyond our conscious awareness, but that’s only because most of us react to events and situations on autopilot, allowing habitual reactions and negative thought patterns to scream, “Danger!” This is obviously appropriate when a car is swerving toward you, but not for the vast majority of daily stress-inducing situations we face.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could deliberately and consciously decide to not get stressed about things that are not imminently threatening to our survival? And if we could respond to challenges with calm, clear-headed focus and appropriate action instead?
With training and practice we actually can learn to manage potential stress in this way. One very effective method for making our minds work for us rather than against us is the Positive Intelligence® model of mental fitness. Using this model, the unhealthy thought patterns responsible for stress (and for all of our negative emotions) are skillfully managed as we shift to a calm, wise mindset in facing life’s frequent challenges.
In my 12-week Mental Fitness Boot Camp program I train people to build 3 core muscles: Interception of negative thoughts, mental self-mastery, and positivity strengths. We use the Positive Intelligence® phone app to create mindfulness habits and track progress, supported by live weekly discussion and coaching with me.
Developing strong mental fitness takes time and consistent practice, but the results are well worth the effort: graduates of the training report feeling less stress, greater well-being, improved relationships, and enhanced performance. They learn to use easy, in-the-moment mindfulness practices to create the shift and develop specific strengths to operate from their own clear, reality-based wisdom. They also experience the truth of a positive mindset - that everything can be turned into a gift and opportunity.
Thus, an event or situation that may have formerly triggered a judgment of “This is really bad!” and feelings of anxiety, anger, resentment or fear is now considered calmly and either accepted peacefully or used for personal growth or future life improvement. Stress, and all of its unhealthy consequences, is minimized or even absent. The stronger we build our mental fitness muscles, the quicker we respond positively to bigger and bigger challenges.
When we live from a state of greater ease and flow in life, we also make space for finding meaning in our lives. We become more creative, compassionate, curious, open-minded, and generous. We are able to envision and create our ideal life. Relationships become more fulfilling. And we find we are more effective in making a positive difference in our families, communities, and the world.
Strong Mental Fitness Muscles + Transformational Coaching = A Rich, Fulfilling Life
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To learn more, visit my Mental Fitness page and contact me for a complimentary Intro Session. I’d love to help you learn how to build your PQ (positivity quotient) for a better life.
Amy Arnold, MD, MCLC
Your True Story Coaching
photo by Simran Sood on Unsplash
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