How Higher Self Leaders Approach
As individuals, it’s essential to prioritize our mental and physical health by implementing these techniques and making lifestyle changes. As leaders, it’s essential to promote a culture that values and supports relaxation, self-care, and overall health and wellbeing. Together, we can create a healthier and happier world by counteracting stress.
Depression, anxiety, and stress are complex mental health conditions that can have significant impacts on individuals’ lives. While they share some common features, they are distinct conditions with unique symptoms and underlying causes.
Neuroscience behind Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Depression, anxiety, and stress all involve alterations in brain function and neural pathways. In depression, there is decreased activity in certain regions of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and regulating emotions. There is also increased activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions like fear and anxiety.
In anxiety, there is heightened activity in the amygdala and other regions of the brain responsible for emotional processing, leading to an increased sense of fear and anxiety. In stress, there is increased activity in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol.
Differences between Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
While depression, anxiety, and stress all involve alterations in brain function and neural pathways, they are distinct conditions with unique symptoms and underlying causes.
Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Symptoms may include fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry or fear about everyday situations. Symptoms may include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Stress is characterized by feelings of overwhelm and pressure in response to a specific event or situation. Symptoms may include tension headaches, muscle pain, and difficulty sleeping.
Plasticity and how Leaders can Help
Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experiences, offers hope for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and stress. Leaders can use plasticity to help individuals manage these conditions by promoting practices that encourage neural rewiring and healing.
For example, mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing techniques have been shown to promote neuroplasticity and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. By promoting mindfulness practices in the workplace, leaders can help employees manage their mental health and improve their overall wellbeing.
Another way that leaders can use plasticity to help individuals manage depression, anxiety, and stress is by promoting exercise and physical activity. Exercise has been shown to promote the growth of new neurons in the brain and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By providing opportunities for physical activity and encouraging employees to prioritize exercise, leaders can promote neuroplasticity and help individuals manage their mental health.
Finally, leaders can use plasticity to help individuals manage depression, anxiety, and stress by promoting social connection and support. Research has shown that social support can promote neuroplasticity and improve mental health outcomes. By creating a workplace culture that values social connection and support, leaders can help employees feel more connected and supported, reducing their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
In conclusion, depression, anxiety, and stress are complex mental health conditions that involve alterations in brain function and neural pathways. Leaders can use plasticity to help individuals manage these conditions by promoting practices that encourage neural rewiring and healing, such as mindfulness practices, exercise, and social connection and support. By prioritizing mental health and creating a workplace culture that values self-care and support, leaders can promote neuroplasticity and improve the overall wellbeing of their employees.
I write a lot about inspiration and what leaders should be doing well. I am always keen to describe how we should have a vision and use reaching strategies and behaviours to make things happen. Significant action is often my cry. I’m a big advocate of emotional intelligence, intellectual agility, resilience, unity consciousness and how we relate to each other, for example.
I read and share a plethora of intellectual, insightful and inspirational articles and blogs about what makes a great leader, manager, boss, HR Director or whoever may be paving the way for others. Leadership development is a passion. Many people out there tell us how to live our lives and what to strive for. They tell us how to do things well, improve, be better, be best, and yes, I do that too. For the majority of the time, I love it. I love finding new ways to motivate interest, excel and go the extra mile.
It’s great to be just ok.
But there are times when thinking about how efficient we should be, or how much we should challenge and push ourselves that sometimes it’s great to be just ok, in the here and now, right now, without any wish to be, do or think anything else. The world is mainly in a queue, a whirlwind, aspiring to something, wanting to improve, getting better results, being more honest, moving forward, changing at the speed of light, a hive of activity which can be true in our personal lives as well as at work.
Stress is one of the biggest reasons for absence from work.
Stress is one of the biggest reasons for absence and one of the highest costs of presenteeism at work. There are several causes of stress, and most of them are caused as we live out the challenges of moving quickly, changing lives, work, roles, partners, houses, jobs, and the way we do things, and many more. And we don’t have much choice. Unless everyone stands still at once, we need to keep up with it all or risk being left behind, and that is our fear and why we tolerate stress.
Sometimes we need to stop and do something different. Taking time out is essential for anyone, whether you are a leader, a team member, stay at home or business owner. The world would be a better place if everyone gave themselves a real break. So if you are endlessly busy and the adrenaline is wearing thin. Or you are too busy, too worried, stressed or in the throes of any change: The following are some of my suggestions about how you can give yourself a respite from the madness of your daily life:
Accept
Accept everything entirely as it is and make a decision just for even half-day or so, not to wish for anything different. Just accept and surrender to where you are right now. Stop wanting people, situations or ourselves to be different. You don’t have to be happy about “what is”. Just make a decision not to be unhappy about it. That’s called being at Peace. And it’s refreshing.
Be with yourself
Watch yourself, feel your feelings, and feel happy to indulge yourself and feel the happiness. If you feel sad, then permit yourself to. Know it isn’t going to destroy you. Feel negative emotions instead of repressing them; don’t act on them. Your emotions are simply a guidance system. If they are happy, you are on the right track; if they are sad, they tell you something you believe that is not true about yourself. Feeling and releasing negative emotions can feel brilliant, as long as you don’t wallow in them and don’t identify them as being who you are.
Breathe
Get away from the hustle and bustle if you can. Breathe in some healthy fresh air and enjoy the feeling of taking the stand into your lungs and right into your body. When you are breathing, you are relaxing your body and giving it a rest. Conscious breathing is like having an inward shower; your cells and your whole being benefit.
Meditate
For years I struggled with being able to meditate. I read all of the guidance, and yes, of course, the thoughts crowded in when I tried to stop thinking. Once I realised the true purpose of meditating is to focus on the gap between the thoughts, I cracked it. The beauty of concentrating on the gap is twofold. Firstly you are in touch with your higher self which is all-powerful and wise, and secondly, by being in the gap between your thoughts, you are giving yourself a well-earned break. Thoughts are energy, and too much thinking depletes us, yes, even if most of our thoughts are happy ones.
Appreciate
Gratitude is a brilliant state to be in. Appreciation is even better because you tend to be grateful for something you have earned or have been given. You can appreciate situations, people and stories which have nothing to do with you and as a result, you are simply appreciative of the world around you. Appreciation is akin to real love because real love is unconditional, all-encompassing and not limited to the personal self. Therefore feeling appreciation is restful, energising and soothing.
So go on, give yourself some much needed time off and practice some of the relaxing ways of “being” described. If you have your ways of de-stressing or relaxing, please let me know; I’d love to hear from you.
Leaders who lead from their higher self support a stress-free life at work because they understand the importance of creating a positive and healthy work environment. They recognize that stress can have negative impacts on employee productivity, engagement, and overall wellbeing. By promoting a stress-free workplace, leaders can create a positive work culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
Leaders who lead from their higher self prioritize their own mental and physical health, recognizing that their own wellbeing is essential to their ability to lead effectively. They understand that when they’re stressed, their ability to make sound decisions, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy and compassion can be compromised.
By modeling self-care and prioritizing their own mental and physical health, leaders who lead from their higher self can inspire their employees to do the same. When employees see their leaders prioritizing self-care and creating a positive work culture that supports relaxation and wellbeing, they are more likely to feel valued, engaged, and motivated.
Furthermore, leaders who lead from their higher self recognize that their employees are human beings with their own personal lives and challenges. They understand that work is just one aspect of their employees’ lives and that promoting a stress-free workplace can help employees better manage the demands of both their personal and professional lives.
Research has shown that when leaders prioritize employee wellbeing and create a positive work culture, employees are more likely to be engaged, productive, and satisfied with their jobs. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who reported high levels of supervisor support had lower levels of stress and were more engaged in their work.
In conclusion, leaders who lead from their higher self support a stress-free life at work because they recognize the importance of creating a positive and healthy work environment. They prioritize their own mental and physical health and model self-care for their employees. By creating a stress-free workplace, leaders can inspire their employees to prioritize their own wellbeing, leading to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.
As leaders and researchers, we often talk about the importance of having a vision, using reaching strategies and behaviors to make things happen, and taking significant action. We are advocates of emotional intelligence, intellectual agility, resilience, and unity consciousness. We believe in how we relate to each other in both our personal and professional lives. However, sometimes it’s great to be just okay and accept things as they are without any pressure to be, do, or think anything else.
Stress is one of the biggest reasons for absence and presenteeism at work, costing organizations a great deal of money. The world is moving quickly, and we need to keep up with the pace, which can be challenging. Therefore, it’s essential to take a break from the chaos and practice some relaxation techniques.
As leaders, we need to lead by example and give ourselves time off. Accept everything as it is, surrender to where you are, and stop wanting people, situations, or ourselves to be different. Just be at peace with what is happening in the present moment.
Watch yourself and feel your emotions, whether they are positive or negative. Don’t act on them, but feel and release them. Conscious breathing is also an effective way to relax your body and give it a rest.
Meditation is a great way to focus on the gap between your thoughts, which can be a well-earned break for your mind. Appreciation and gratitude are also effective ways to relax and recharge. By feeling appreciation for the world around you, you’re practicing unconditional love, which is restful, energizing, and soothing.
As leaders, we need to prioritize our mental health and wellbeing by taking time off to relax and recharge. If you have other ways to de-stress or relax, share them with us. Let’s support each other and create a healthier and happier world.
please continue
In addition to prioritizing our own mental health and wellbeing, as leaders, it’s essential to create a culture that values and supports relaxation and self-care. This can include offering flexible work arrangements, providing access to mental health resources, and encouraging employees to take time off when they need it.
Research has shown that taking breaks and practicing relaxation techniques can improve productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. Therefore, investing in our employees’ wellbeing is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a smart business decision.
Real-life examples of organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing can be seen in companies like Google, which offers their employees access to a variety of relaxation and meditation resources, and Patagonia, which encourages its employees to take time off to pursue their passions and hobbies.
In conclusion, as leaders, we should not only prioritize our own mental health and wellbeing but also create a culture that supports relaxation and self-care. By doing so, we can improve employee productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction, leading to a healthier and happier workplace.
Write me a 1200 word blog post explaining how to counteract stress using headings and bringing in research and real life examples
Introduction
Stress is a part of daily life, and at times it can be beneficial as it motivates us to get things done. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health. It’s essential to know how to counteract stress to prevent it from affecting our wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll discuss the ways in which we can counteract stress, including physical and mental relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes. We’ll also provide research and real-life examples of these techniques in action.
Physical Relaxation Techniques
Physical relaxation techniques are techniques that aim to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation in the body. These techniques are effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a technique that involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in the body. The goal is to become aware of the tension in the body and learn how to release it consciously.
Research has shown that PMR is an effective technique for reducing stress and anxiety levels. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that participants who practiced PMR reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to those who did not practice PMR.
Real-life example: The use of PMR in cancer patients
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that cancer patients who practiced PMR reported a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels. The study concluded that PMR could be an effective complementary therapy for cancer patients.
- Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension. Research has shown that massage therapy can be an effective technique for reducing stress and anxiety levels.
A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that participants who received a 15-minute chair massage reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to those who did not receive a massage.
Real-life example: The use of massage therapy in the workplace
Several companies, such as Google and Apple, offer massage therapy services to their employees as a way to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. A study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees who received massage therapy at work reported a significant reduction in stress levels and increased job satisfaction.
Mental Relaxation Techniques
Mental relaxation techniques are techniques that aim to reduce mental tension and promote relaxation in the mind. These techniques are effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. The goal is to become aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and sensations without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Research has shown that mindfulness meditation is an effective technique for reducing stress and anxiety levels. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that participants who practiced mindfulness meditation reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to those who did not practice mindfulness meditation.
Real-life example: The use of mindfulness meditation in the military
The US military has implemented mindfulness meditation training programs for soldiers to help them cope with the stress of combat. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that soldiers who received mindfulness meditation training reported a significant reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who did not receive mindfulness meditation training.
- Breathing Techniques
Breathing techniques involve consciously controlling one’s breath to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. These techniques can be used anytime, anywhere, making them a convenient way to reduce stress levels.
Research has shown that breathing techniques can be an effective technique for reducing stress and anxiety levels. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that participants who practiced deep breathing techniques reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to those who did not practice deep
please continue
breathing techniques.
Real-life example: The use of breathing techniques in yoga
Yoga incorporates breathing techniques, such as Pranayama, as a way to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. A study published in the International Journal of Yoga found that participants who practiced yoga reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to those who did not practice yoga.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes involve making adjustments to one’s daily routine and habits to promote overall health and wellbeing. These changes can be effective in reducing stress levels and preventing stress from becoming chronic.
- Exercise
Exercise is a natural stress reliever that promotes the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote a feeling of wellbeing. Research has shown that regular exercise can be an effective technique for reducing stress and anxiety levels.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that participants who engaged in regular exercise reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety levels compared to those who did not engage in regular exercise.
Real-life example: The use of exercise in the workplace
Several companies, such as Nike and Microsoft, offer on-site fitness facilities and exercise programs for their employees as a way to promote overall health and wellbeing. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that employees who participated in an on-site exercise program reported a significant reduction in stress levels and increased job satisfaction.
- Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it more difficult to cope with stressors.
Research has shown that getting enough sleep can be an effective technique for reducing stress levels. A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that participants who received enough sleep reported a significant reduction in stress levels compared to those who did not receive enough sleep.
Real-life example: The use of sleep programs in the military
The US military has implemented sleep programs to help soldiers get enough sleep and reduce stress levels. A study published in Military Medicine found that soldiers who participated in a sleep program reported a significant reduction in stress levels compared to those who did not participate in a sleep program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stress is a part of daily life, but it doesn’t have to be a chronic condition that affects our physical and mental health. There are various techniques and lifestyle changes that we can make to counteract stress, including physical and mental relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes.
By implementing these techniques and making lifestyle changes, we can reduce our stress levels, improve our overall health and wellbeing, and prevent stress from becoming chronic. Real-life examples have shown the effectiveness of these techniques in various settings, including the workplace, military, and healthcare.
I help leaders develop self- mastery, helping them to become confident in their own inner guidance.
I collaborate with leadership experts, managers and HR professionals to help them get their own message and unique services and products to a wide audience.