What to do When Overwhelmed
If there is something you can do about it, why worry (do it).
If there is nothing you can do about it, what use is worry? - Shantideva
High levels of stress are unpleasant, but there is a positive side if it is managed well. High stress indicates there is a problem that needs attention. Much like pain, it is unpleasant, but has a message.
If rather than focus on the unpleasantness, one focuses on the message, stress can be a helpful tool.
The Message
There are two types of problems:
- Problems you can do something about
- Problems you can do nothing about
How to Respond
Pain = Discomfort x Resistance.
Do everything you can to reduce discomfort, then do not resist the results.
- Face It - Face the reality head on. Don't hide or run away.
- Accept It - The situation may be very unpleasant. But refusing to accept it adds an additional layer of pain that is not helpful. Accepting it eliminates one of the two causes of discomfort.
- Handle It - You might not be able to fix the situation completely, but do what you can. When finished, move to the next task. When an opportunity for further improvement arises, go back to work.
- Let It Go - When you have removed as much of the problem - the second cause of discomfort - as possible, stop worrying and go on about the things you can improve.
Developing Skills
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. - Mark Larson Sensei
To change our stress from destructive to constructive, merely reading a book about it will not do much. We need to engage with a practice that builds the skills.
We have many more tools that can be useful. Try a class.
- Yoga classes to focus on peace and health
- Tai chi classes for peace, health and self defense
- Aikido classes teach you to relax in the midst of a challenge for the best result