Stress robs us of our time in two main ways. Firstly, when we are stressed, we unintentionally waste time. Secondly, stress alters our perception of time such that we feel as if we have less than we actually have.
The fundamental problem with stress lasting weeks, months or even years, is that our brain is operating in survival mode. As a result, our body and brain are not working as they normally would and this leads to many problems.
THE ACUTE STRESS RESPONSE (FRIGHT, FLIGHT, FIGHT RESPONSE)
The Acute Stress Response is the key to understanding stress and its impact. This response is an evolutionary adaptation to life-threatening situations which is all about our survival. When we are in danger, the most primitive part of our brain recognises the threat and generates a response. It activates the systems that are needed, eg our heart rate goes up and our muscle tone increases. At the same time, it suppresses the systems which are not needed. Very significantly, this includes the front part of our brain where our higher functioning occurs. It’s where we do our rational thinking, decision making, problem solving, information processing, and control our emotions. Once the danger has passed, everything reverts to normal.
Unfortunately, the brain can’t tell the difference between a life-threatening situation and other stressors we face. So, when we find life challenging and feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, our brain goes into stress response mode.
STRESS AND TIME
Given that stress affects our higher functioning, how does this relate to daily life?
Loss of rational thinking
When we can’t think clearly, we find it harder to concentrate and focus so tasks take longer. Robbing us of time. When we lose the ability to think objectively, our thoughts become more influenced by how we feel. This can affect the way we interpret the words and actions of others. Also, we feel overwhelmed by everything we need to do and feel as if we just don’t have enough time. Our perception is altered.
Indecision
If we find it hard to make decisions and become indecisive, we waste time.
Difficulty problem solving
When solving problems becomes difficult, we take much longer trying to deal with the challenges we face. We lose time.
Difficulty processing and remembering information
If our ability to take in, process and remember information is reduced, we are more likely to forget things and make mistakes. We may miss appointments or lose things and waste time re-arranging or looking for things.
Hard to control our emotions
When we become more emotional and find ourselves getting irritable, cross or tearful in everyday situations, it takes time to calm down and, sometimes, apologise. The conflict which often results consumes precious time. Relationships with family members, colleagues and friends become more fraught and may make us feel anxious. Anxiety often leads to rumination which takes up time.
All of these issues, which can occur when we are stressed, waste our precious time. They also add to our sense of overwhelm and stress and alter our perception of time.
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
We need to restore our higher functioning so that we CAN think clearly, make decisions, solve problems, remember things and control our emotions. So, how can we do this?
- Grounding tools will help us restore our higher functioning when we are feeling overwhelmed.
- Nurturing our mental, physical and emotional health will help us become more resilient and better able to retain our higher functioning.
- Learning ways to regain control over our thoughts and our lives will also help us restore our higher functioning.
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
- My article called ‘Two Healthy Tools for Overwhelm’ talks about grounding tools.
- My book ‘Dealing with Stress: the mind, body, spirit way’ provides advice and tools to help you recognise your stress and manage it in a constructive way. There are links on the homepage.
- My 1-2-1 sessions provide a safe place for you to talk and reflect; to explore what is going on now as well as things from your past which maybe affecting how you are today. I’ll ask questions to encourage you to reflect. I’ll also give you tools and advice tailored to your particular needs. I will help you reach a place where you can think more clearly, feel calmer and more in control and free up precious time.
If you find yourself recognising that you need help with stress but think you don’t have the time, I hope this article has helped you re-think your perspective! By finding a slot in your busy schedule to invest in help to manage your stress, you will reclaim precious time.
If you’re interested in exploring the option of sessions, why not get in touch.