Stress & Burnout
The ACT Approach to Mindfulness-Based Stress Management
The ACT Approach to Mindfulness-Based Stress Management
The ACT Approach to Mindfulness-Based Stress Management
I believe that all counselling and therapy involves stress management and I have developed a particular focus in this area as I have yet to meet anyone for whom the treatment of stress is unneeded or inappropriate.
My training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) has led me to use Mindfulness with my clients in ways that help them to be able to stop struggling with stressful thoughts and feelings and to direct their focus and energy towards behaviours and actions that are meaningful and aligned with their most important values.
The techniques are simple to learn and do require some practice but it can soon become a skill that you can engage in more and more readily whenever those stressful thoughts or feelings appear. Let's also remember that our ever-so-helpful mind is hardwired to keep us safe and it is estimated that around 80% of our thoughts are of the negative variety so it is absolutely "normal" for you to have them!
When it comes to "Burnout", let's keep it simple:
Burnout = unmanaged chronic stress...
Emotional Intelligence
The ACT Approach to Mindfulness-Based Stress Management
The ACT Approach to Mindfulness-Based Stress Management
There is a growing body of research which points to the development of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as the key to managing stress well. Highly emotionally intelligent people are better able to engage their emotions and rational thinking simultaneously, resulting in a more calm and contained reaction to stressful circumstances. As your EQ increases, you actually feel less stress.
Emotional intelligence is a set of skills and behaviours that can be learned and developed and much of my counselling and coaching for managing stressful events, situations and relationships involves recognising, understanding and managing your own emotions as well as the emotions of others. BTW before you start "judging" yourself in this area, remember that even people with highly developed EQ can get upset and become emotionally overwhelmed at times!
How do I know if my EQ skills are working well for me?
If you experience the following on a regular basis, you could probably benefit from some EQ coaching:
- I often feel misunderstood
- I get upset easily
- I often become overwhelmed by emotions
- I have problems being assertive
If the following statements are true of you most of the time, then your EQ skills are highly developed:
- I understand the links between my emotions and how I behave
- I remain calm and composed during stressful situations
- I am able to influence others toward a common goal
- I handle difficult people with tact and diplomacy
Work Life Balance
The ACT Approach to Mindfulness-Based Stress Management
Work Life Balance
Do you struggle with saying "no" and/or setting and maintaining boundaries? We all want to live a life that works and a big part of managing our stress is about how we cope with competing demands on our time, attention and energy. Work and family responsibilities often take priority and somewhere along the way our own well-being has been neglected.
A wellness inventory and emotional needs audit as part of a counselling or coaching session with me could be just the catalyst you need to make a few changes to relieve the stress and restore a sense of balance.