Stress changes how we respond to a situation. If we are under significant stress, we have less patience, increased irritation, and usually poorer judgment and insight into our situation. At times the stress becomes so intense that we may become emotionally flooded and be unable to take in any more input into our inner world. When faced with such stress it can be challenging to respond with intention rather than reactivity. What can we do when we are faced with stressors that are impacting our ability to hear and connect with others?
With so many stressors being activated in the recent months and months to come, it can be challenging to manage the impact of stress and not take it out on the loved ones around you. We are all guilty of having a slip-up from time to time and having a snarky response when under duress. However, when stress starts to heavily impact your relationships with others, it may be time to look at your mood and resultant behaviors and interactions a little more closely.
In order to look at those interactions more closely, you have to realize that the stress is getting to you. This requires some insight into the impact of stress on your mood, body and relationships. Ask yourself these questions:
How do I know that I am becoming stressed?
Where do I feel stress in my body?
What is the first sign that I might not be handling my stress in the best way?
How does stress change interaction with others?
If you know you tend to have a more irritable response to others when you are stressed you have the opportunity to increase insight into that behavior and change the interaction with intention. By slowing down the response it allows you more time to be able to see the impact of stress, challenge your reaction and fight against the impact of stress on your relationships with others. On the other hand, if you tend to isolate yourself when you feel the impacts of stress, insight gives you the opportunity to take space and reconnect in a time that feels good to you rather than distancing from others for an extended period of time.
Plan ahead for interactions when you are stressed by priming your brain for interactions that might bring about a stress response from you. You are more likely to have a positive interaction if you prepare for a positive interaction and response beforehand. Ask yourself these questions:
How do I want to be in this conversation today?
What might I need from the other person today?
What might they need from me?
What is the end goal I would like to achieve?
How can I approach each interaction in way that all parties feel heard and understood?
Stress changes how we feel, act, and interact with others. It can wreak havoc on your inner world, outer world and relationships. However, with a little insight and some effort to turn things around we can always aim for more positive interactions with others. We cannot control how others show up in our world but we can control how we react and engage with them. If all else fails and we find ourselves in a moment of tension, repair work is always available in our relationships with others. Happy Sunday! I hope a beautiful week awaits you!
Mind-Body-Connection 