Stress is a familiar companion in our professional lives, but what if I told you that the typical approach to managing stress might be missing the mark? You see, when stress hits, our instinctive response often revolves around relaxation techniques. While relaxation has its benefits, it might not be the most effective solution for everyone, especially when it comes to maintaining cognitive regulation and executive functioning (staying focused, making decisions, problem solving, or managing emotions).
Picture this: You’re in the midst of a high-pressure project, deadlines looming, and stress levels skyrocketing. Instead of focusing solely on relaxation, what if you could enhance your cognitive regulation? Cognitive regulation involves holding in mind your goals, even in moments of distress. It’s about using cognitive processes to control your behavior, so you’re less reactive and more focused on achieving your objectives.
So, how do you improve cognitive regulation during times of stress? One powerful strategy is to develop tricks that help you remember your goals when the pressure is on. Whether it’s creating visual reminders, setting frequent check-ins with yourself, or breaking down tasks into manageable steps, finding what works for you can make a world of difference.
But there’s more to the puzzle. Our early childhood experiences of trauma and neglect can also impact our beliefs about our own needs. Ever find yourself pushing aside your own well-being in favor of meeting work demands? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with the belief that our needs don’t deserve to be met, especially when the stakes are high.
What we often don’t know about others and sometimes even ourselves is the impact that our early childhood experiences have had on our brain, beliefs, emotions, coping, and relationships. For example, if you had a traumatic experience in childhood, you are more likely to be reactive under stress. But if you were neglected, the experience may be less pronounced, but still impactful because instead of leading to reactivity, it leads you to believe your needs aren’t important and to shut down under stress. This is why so many folks end up burning out because if you don’t believe your needs matter, you’ll put your needs on the back burner and prioritize everything and everyone else.
That’s where rewiring our brains comes into play. Research shows that by challenging and changing these limiting beliefs, we can create healthier patterns of behavior and response to stress. It’s about recognizing that your needs are just as important as the tasks on your to-do list and giving yourself permission to prioritize self-care, even in the midst of chaos.
So, whether you’re feeling shut down, stressed out, or struggling with executive functioning, remember this: relaxation is just one piece of the puzzle. By focusing on cognitive regulation, finding tricks to remember your goals, and rewiring your beliefs about self-care, you can navigate stress in the workplace with resilience and grace.
Leaders, including HR professionals, take note: understanding and implementing these insights can not only support individual well-being but also foster a culture of productivity and fulfillment within your organization.
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