Career Center Stress ManagementOur mind is powerful that it affects the rest of the body functions. If you compare it to the parts of a computer, the brain is the CPU of our body. We function well if the brain functions properly because our mind and body work together. For it to work properly, the mind should be in a relaxed and normal condition. If our mind is troubled and disrupted, we cannot think and act accordingly.
We get so much of this kind of condition in the workplace. Our work is one of the top causes of mental stress. We think too hard to get things done. Everyday, there is decision-making to be done. We think a lot when we work. But in everything we do, we always use our brain. It lets us decide what to do and what not to do. It is responsible for dictating what we should say and what should not be said.
If we are experiencing stress, the mind gets affected. The train of thoughts becomes distorted and incoherent. In some cases, the mind tends to think too fast wherein thoughts would race. Some experience a mental blackout or what people mean when they say “the mind is blank.” Concentration is affected when we experience mental stress.
Also, when we feel mentally stressed out, we lose our logical and rational manner of thinking. That is why some people would probably tell you that you are not in your “right mind.” This is what happens when the mind is pressured and tensed.
Knowing how to manage mental stress is a great step in managing other forms of stress, too. Here are some tips to combat mental stress.
Music for Relaxation
According to researches, music is a great stress reliever because it slows down the level of stress in our mind and body. Music also equalizes the brain waves and for the purpose of mind relaxation, the most essential brain waves that should be stimulated are Alpha and Theta. When we listen to relaxing music, our left and right hemispheres of the brain are balanced. When this happens, we experience mental balance and stress is reduced.
During a stressful moment at work, put on some soothing music to relax the mind while working. So, if you notice when you go to spa salons for a relaxing massage, they always play wellness spa sounds because the soothing effect of the music puts the mind in a calm state. In one way or another, music is a healing tool for the mind.
Positive Thinking
A positive thought is a hundred times more powerful and effective than a negative thought. A person with a positive state of mind develops a positive outlook in life. If you think about it, our mind becomes stressed out if we keep on thinking of negative consequences and negative outcomes. By simply filling the mind with “what if’s”, mental stress is not difficult to develop.
Distressing thoughts are never a help to relieve us from stress; these thoughts add more weight on the level of stress. Sometimes, our thoughts are manifested into a self-talk. So if you think to yourself that you are a good performer at work, then you tell yourself “I am an efficient employee.” Creating a positive self-talk is part of maintaining a positive manner of thinking.
Meditation
Meditation is a relaxation technique for the mind and body. It has been one of the proven and reliable stress relievers since ancient times. The power of meditation brings about a deep state of calmness and inner peace of mind. When you meditate, the goal is to clear away jumbled and crowded thoughts that may be occupying the mind and causing the mental stress.
Meditation may be in the form of yoga, guided imagery, or tai chi. But you can actually do meditation anytime, everywhere. Say, you are walking down the street, let the mind meditate by recalling on a happy experience and let the mind dwell on it.
You may also follow guided imagery at your desk for a few minutes by allowing the mind to wander to a tranquil and serene setting. With this kind of relaxation exercise, it is not just the mind that is regulated but it improves physical and emotional well-being as well.
