Description
Book SynopsisThe perfect guide for anyone looking to thrive, not just survive, in the face of stress. In our fast-moving world stress, burnout, and anxiety are an ever-present reality for many of us. It can feel like there’s no escaping the constant pressure to keep up and stay on top of everything. But what if there was a way to not only cope with stress but to thrive in the face of it? Everything I Wish I’d Known About Stress offers a practical, self-helpful guide to understanding and managing stress. Packed with relatable insights, tools and techniques aplenty to help those in need to find a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
Table of ContentsContents My own road to a calmer life Part One, or ‘I wish I’d known. . .’ Some stress is normal – we’re literally built for it Chronic stress has been normalised But it is not normal There’s such a thing as good stress Fight and flight aren’t the only stress responses Stress can even change our menstrual cycles We store stress in the body How the nervous system works How to hack the nervous system Stress causes damage that can be deadly All the symptoms of stress The red flags Stress and anxiety are not the same thing Stress is contagious Our perspective makes a difference We all have different stress thresholds What stress can look like in others Stress erodes our capacity for empathy Stress affects our executive functioning Stress can become a habit What we consume can aggravate stress Stress and resilience are intertwined The concept of the stress bucket Spoon theory The notion of stress cycles Part Two In the thick of it And breathe. . . Square breathing Ten-second breath Alternate nostril Four-seven-eight breathing Cyclic sighing Get grounded Five, four, three, two, one technique Positive self-talk Counting A–Z game Embracing nature Use our common sense(s) Touch Smell Taste Sight Sound Proprioception Interoception Vestibular Somatic practices Tapping Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) The aftermath Shake it off Stretch it out Dance it out Talk it out Cry it out Write it out Building resilience Make space for yourself Track time Buy time Start subtracting Look ahead Keep a stress log Visualise your stress bucket Build your self-esteem Get clear on your values Smartphones for good Turn off notifications Blue light filter Apps Start a new hobby Get moving Stop the ANTs Consider adaptogens Try meditating Fix your sleep Pack your bag Check-in Write a care guide A note on support systems Healing Seven types of rest Mental rest Physical rest Sensory rest Creative rest Emotional rest Spiritual rest Create a bliss list Create a diss list Question whether we’re headed in the right direction Make sense of something Let go of mistakes Get clear on who you are not Lock it in Reset your algorithm Be the tryer of new things Pay attention to envy Reclaiming yourself Dream a little dream Consider the younger self Be your own compass Have those conversations I wish I’d known that I wasn’t alone It’s always a work in progress Food as medicine Movement Other daily stuff Working life Can’t live without Over to you Acknowledgements About the author
