Stress – it’s often (if not always) a regular part of life.
But everyone handles it differently, and many people are frequently on the search for ways to deal with it more effectively.
Now, while stress triggers are usually different from person to person, the brain is actually hardwired to process stress in a certain way.
So sometimes, this hardwiring can make stress feel more intense – and the reactivity that can come along with it often only compounds the problem.
In this video clip, Rick Hanson, PhD explains why the brain is wired this way, and what needs to happen in the brain to slow down reactivity so we can deal with stress more productively.
Check it out, it’s only 4 minutes.
A deeper understanding of how the brain is wired equips us to choose interventions that can help us, and our clients, deal with stress more effectively.
You can learn more in one of our brain science courses, available at our store.
What are some strategies you recommend to clients to help them manage stress? Please share your experience in the comments.
Thanks for sharing a nice article & video.
I found the best way to control my stress is to eliminate it from my life which meant isolating myself from certain people and finding a career that fit me. I also need to make sure that my basic needs are being met and that I have good, healthy, positive relationships in my life. I changed my beliefs and my reactions. It took about three years to change everything around but it has proven work much better than any stress management techniques! It is possible to live a stress free life.
Recently, I’ve been using the same practices that Kelly McGonigal and Dan Siegel have been advocating for everything from willpower to stress reduction with great results. Especially because it’s kind of a one size fits all, so clients don’t paradoxically feel stressed having to learn too many techniques. 🙂 Balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, by focusing on heart rate variability sync’d to breathing has been wonderfully effective for stress, which is often a result of falling behind, due to willpower and self-discipline issues. When my clients are able to jettison their procrastination and avoidance strategies, they accomplish more (dopamine reward) and get a sense of validation (serotonin) so the stress gets reduced biochemically as well. All great, functional work!