Written by: Awaz Ahmed, 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.
It’s a hard time for everyone, and sometimes we can’t control our emotions. Stress triggers the body to react to challenges or situations and often requires attention. Many people may experience stress one time or another, and each person responds differently.
It’s important to note emotional self-awareness (being aware of own your own emotions) is essential in managing stress levels. If individuals don’t manage their stress, it may lead to mental or physical symptoms such as heart racing, sweaty palms, and chronic headaches.
Have you reacted too soon? Was the situation emotional? Did your stress get in the way of your professional or personal life? Well, whether in a professional or personal setting, here are 4 easy and helpful tips to manage your stress.
1. Remember to stop, take a few breaths and reflect. This will create self-awareness, relax your body and mind.
2. Take your own personal time out. Go for a walk, a coffee, or anything for alone time. No one wants a break? If this occurs around people, encourage the group or individuals to take a time out. For example, you can say, I think tensions are running high; I think we need a break.
3. Name your emotion. Ask yourself what emotions you’re feeling and connect them specifically to a source or a situation, concern, or issue.
4. Diaphragmatic breathing. Breath in and count to five exhale and count to five, 5x. You can use your hand on your chest and/or abdomen to see how u feel after. This can be done to your comfort: sitting or lying down.
Awaz Ahmed MBPsS, Business Psychologist, Business and Emotional Intelligence coach
Awaz Ahmed is a Business Psychologist and Coach, helping organizations and individuals in the workplace by encouraging and facilitating clients in a range of professional and personal areas. She has also worked internationally and is the founder of aweology; a company platform of Business Psychologists and professional coaches. With a MSc in Business Psychology and coaching Awaz Ahmed, is also a certified emotional intelligence coach, NLP practitioner, certified 70+ hours of ICF coaching training, member of the British Psychology Society, American Psychology Association, Society for Industrial and organizational psychology and currently studying her Ph.D. in Business Psychology. Through her extensive experience and education in Business Psychology, she is highly skilled and passionate about research, psychometrics, assessments, training, development, recruitment, and coaching.