Written by: Angela Cairns, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Ever experienced the overwhelming grip of stress and anxiety? The racing heart, shallow breaths, and the mind playing tricks on your creativity and problem-solving abilities? In the fast-paced modern world, where challenges abound, it's crucial to understand how our brains react to stress and, more importantly, how to take back control. In this article, we explore the science behind stress and unveil practical strategies to master self-command, enhancing your performance and decision-making in the personal and professional realm.
The science of stress
When stress kicks in, our body enters a state of hyper-vigilance, preparing to fight, flee, or freeze. The brain hi-jacks our normal thought processes and commands us to focus only on the perceived threat – how things will go wrong, and what the terrible consequences might be.
Unfortunately, this primitive survival response is ill-equipped to handle modern workplace and life challenges, where physical confrontation or avoidance are rarely suitable solutions. Prolonged stress not only hampers our creative thinking and problem-solving skills but can also lead to adverse long-term health effects.
The brain's role
Modern scanning techniques allow us to observe how different areas of the brain respond to various emotions and situations. By understanding which brain activations facilitate optimal problem-solving and performance, we can harness self-command to mitigate the negative impacts of stress.
Taking back control
1. Breathe Easy:
Practice deep breathing, focusing on inhaling deeply into the abdomen.
Allow your breath to settle into a natural rhythm, feeling the rise and fall of your abdomen.
Concentrate solely on your breathing, quietly putting aside distracting thoughts.
Incorporate this routine for two minutes at least three times each day, but particularly before important calls, and meetings.
2. Visualize Success:
Begin your day by visualizing successful navigation through challenges using the self-command routine.
Research shows that visualization can strengthen the self-command brain by up to 25%, complementing active practice.
Benefits of mastering self-command
By integrating these techniques into your routine, you gain more control over your reactions, emotions, and actions. This newfound self-command equips you to tackle the day's challenges with resilience and discernment.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of business, where stress is often an unwelcome companion, mastering self-command becomes a valuable skill. By understanding the science behind stress and adopting practical strategies like deep breathing and visualization, professionals can unlock the full potential of their brains, leading to improved decision-making and overall well-being. Take charge of your mind, navigate challenges with confidence, and unleash your true potential.
For more in-depth insights and personalized or team coaching on optimizing the self-command brain, book a discovery call today here.
Angela Cairns, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Director of Calm Confident Create, Angela specializes in empowering individuals to thrive by adopting a creative thinking mindset. She guides them to shed limiting beliefs, paving the way for remarkable personal and professional growth. Angela seamlessly integrates holistic healthcare knowledge with a fusion of positive intelligence coaching and creative expression which creates a unique coaching experience that transcends traditional boundaries. This distinctive approach enhances performance and cultivates lasting happiness, guiding individuals towards their full potential. Her clients not only manage the demands of a busy life but emerge stronger, more confident, and ready to live their truth.
