April 2016

Stress Management Tips

I hate to admit it, but stress is a natural part of life and expecting it to simply go away is not realistic. Stress is the body’s response to a real or perceived threat. It is meant to prepare us for some kind of action to get us out of danger. But most of the threats we face today aren’t something that we can fight or run away from. I mean you could run from your difficult boss or your other responsibilities (trust me we have all thought about it), but it likely wouldn’t make things easier. Modern day “threats” are usually problems that we have to work through. Just because you suffer from stress it doesn’t mean you have to let it dictate your life. Below are a few stress management tips that can help you if you find stress is having a negative impact on your life and happiness.

The best way to loosen up and relax is by exercising. This does not mean that you need to start doing intense cardio but a light jog, walk around the park or simply putting on some upbeat music and dancing around works great. Pick an activity that is fun for you. While exercising, make a conscious effort to not think about work or any other thing in your life that induces stress, but rather focus your thoughts on something that calms you.

Another very effective way of managing stress is to talk about it. Instead of letting thoughts and emotions build up inside you, choose to talk to a friend, family member or even your therapist. Talking about these things can help us make sense of the situation and figure out how to sort it out. It also allows us to understand that if something is beyond our control then worrying or obsessing about it isn’t going to get us anything but stress. By talking about it you may also begin to see the problem from a different perspective and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Stress Management

From personal experience, one of the most important things is to have faith in the belief that nothing is permanent. Knowing and truly believing this is so liberating that you instantaneously feel free and you might actually feel the stress leaving your body. Whenever you are in a stressful situation, just calm yourself by thinking that you are strong and this too shall pass.

It is also important to remember that life is not all about work and money. Take out some time just for yourself every day and do what you love. It can be something as simple as enjoying a cup of tea or reading a book, but do something just for you. Everyone has responsibilities and there will always be more work to do and more money to make, but your health is the most important thing. You are the most important thing. So, make time for yourself!

Finally, you may need to make serious changes in your life if it is becoming too stressful. Nothing should be more important than your peace of mind and only you have the power to make things better for yourself. Identify the things that are the cause of your stress and learn to set boundaries. For instance, if it’s certain people then filter them out of your life. If your job is taking its toll and making you ill, maybe it is time for you to make a change. You might be afraid of change but really it can be very liberating. Learn to move forward and let go.

Have faith that stress is something that can be manageable if you choose to recognize it for what it is. Make the small but powerful changes in your life and I promise that you will start to feel liberated from the stress-causers around you!

Expanding Your Comfort Zone in Therapy

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A big part of being successful in life is to push your boundaries and step outside of your comfort zone. The same goes for finding success in therapy. Trust me, no one really enjoys the anxious feelings that come with moving beyond their bubble of safety. But outside that bubble is truly where all the magic happens. It’s where we are able to grow, learn and develop in a way that expands our horizons beyond what we thought was ever possible.Comfort Zone Therapy

When thinking about starting psychotherapy, you may be faced with feelings of fear and uncertainty. For some, it is the thought of taking the first step or making that initial call to a psychotherapist that makes you feel uncomfortable. You are unsure of what to expect regarding the process and may be wondering if therapy can even help you. I want you to know that this is a normal reaction.

The initial phone call to a therapist should hopefully help you feel better and give you a sense of hope.

Asking for help does not mean you are weak. Please understand that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The therapist you contact will likely ask you a few questions to gain a better understanding of your situation as well as to determine if you are a right fit for each other. They will be open to answer any questions you have (don’t be afraid to ask) and book an appointment that works for you – if you are ready.

That’s it!

Well, that’s not quite it but it really is an amazing first step!

Once you begin therapy and start to build a secure and trusting relationship with your therapist, you may at times find difficulty with opening up and talking about your feelings. Again, this is a normal part of the process. It may be that you have never felt safe being vulnerable, fear being judged, or maybe you are confused about your emotions and don’t know how to put what it is you are feeling into words.

Remember, you are not alone in this.

Your therapist should be skilled and competent enough to help you open up and explore, as well as be able to help you clarify and process your feelings and feel understood. The development of a secure, trusting relationship between client and therapist is one of the most important factors in achieving positive outcomes in therapy. comfort zone psychotherapy London ontairo

Throughout the counselling process of changing the way you think, feel, or behave, you usually have to try out new ways of doing things, like standing up for yourself or shifting your thought process. Implementing these changes in the real world can sometimes make you anxious or uncomfortable. Doubt might set in. Continue to slowly push yourself through the icky feelings of fear and insecurity and trust that the feelings will go away once you become more confident. Your comfort zone will naturally grow and amazing things will happen.

For most people seeking therapy, one or all of the situations noted above will likely happen at some point throughout the therapeutic process. It is normal and your therapist should be able to pick up on your hesitations and address them so that you feel more comfortable and are able to move forward making the changes you desire.

No matter what goal or dream you have, I want you to remember that you do have the strength inside you to push past your comfort zone and take the chances you need to find success and happiness in your life and relationships. Because, after all, that is where all the magic happens.