A psychologist's take on world events, life, happiness and the human condition
‘Stress’ is a general term for ‘challenge’. Emotional stress doesn’t just come from circumstances, but from a blend of circumstances with both psychological habits and physiological processes.
That’s why people vary so greatly as to what they find stressful.
It’s good news because it means you can learn to think in a less stress-inducing way, and design a lower stress lifestyle for yourself.
Below are posts on Shrink Wrap that may help you to do that — they discuss stress or closely related concepts.
Do you ever feel stressed, anxious, angry or shutdown? Or perhaps you have physical ailments that you suspect are stress-related.
Well, it could be your Vagus Nerve. This article teaches you how to be a better steward of your mind-body, informed by Stephen Porges‘ Polyvagal Theory.
I returned from walking my dog the other day in such an uplifted, joyous state that it took me by surprise. I realised I had unconsciously been applying three techniques that build positive, relaxed mood, pretty much on demand.
Here they are, so you can use them too. Read more…
The Bank of Queensland have been talking with me recently about the unique stresses of owning a small or medium business, and what to do about them.
They commissioned research into this topic, resulting in the fascinating Business Balance Report. It reveals shockingly high levels of depression, anxiety and stress among Australian business owners.
So I gave them some tips for staying sane and happy while running a business. Read more…
If you are prone to angry feelings, which is the better strategy? Let it out, or hold it in?
The answer is neither, because there’s a far superior option. It’s much more effective than that old favourite “You must releeeease your anger” – usually by pummelling a pillow, taking a boxing class, or sealing your doors and windows and yelling at the top of your lungs.
Welcome to the second post in the Self-help Hooey series that myth-busts some of the more damaging beliefs of popular psychology. Read more…
Studying health instead of disease. That was the motto of an informal but far reaching 2006 study into the devastating illness known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME).
With the cause of the disease eluding scientists, this study sought instead to uncover how those who had successfully recovered from CFS had done so.
Having the radio or TV on in the background drives me bat-poop crazy. Fortunately, I and my other half have evolved a reliable arrangement that includes volume controls and a rather spiffy wireless headset. (For him, not me.)
It wasn’t always this way. As in any relationship, the compromises of cohabitation are negotiated and whittled over time. Working from a nice open-plan home much of the time, at first I found myself frustratingly unproductive. I had discovered the inherent incompatibility between the analytical nature of my business consulting and writing work, and sharing space with a stimulation-craving extrovert. Read more…