Stress Cognition

We have already discussed the first two C’s – namely Control and Communication.

The third ‘C’ stands for ‘Cognition’ or perception

So let’s look at how Cognition can help to alleviate the symptoms of burnout and/or stress. When bearing the brunt of excessive stress we tend to fall into the trap  of making negative estimates of everything, our sound judgement is affected, we entrap ourselves in pessimistic viewpoints. However, we need to be completely realistic about the situation. We need to analyze whether or not there really is a basis for such negative thinking patterns, maybe ask your self this question, “Will the result really be as bad as you fear, or are you blowing the fear out of all proportion?” Perhaps it is time to shift one’s perception, move the mind in another direction altogether, to look at the problem of what is causing our stress levels to rise from a completely new angle. Parents Magazine has this to say on this stress technique, “You can start by assuming that if you are burned out and under stress, it’s probably because you are ‘good’, not because you are ‘bad’,”

Recall this point, That the types of individuals who are prone to stress burnout etc set for themselves very high standards and usually care about other people a great deal. One of the most helpful things you can do towards any individual going through burnout or a highly stressful situation, is to give to them a kind word of appreciation, for who they are and the work that they do.  It can be summed up by saying, commit random acts of kindness. For a certainty an encouraging word of appreciation for the efforts of others really does go a very long way towards bolstering that individuals sense of self perception and self confidence. In the family we need to learn this lesson more.  In the workplace much stress management help can be rendered to others through positive affirmation of the good efforts of individual team players. By doing this regularly, getting into the genuine habit of praising others with appreciation, where that praise is due, this really can have a very positive effect on the individual suffering from stress or burnout.

There is light at the end of the tunnel with effective stress management techniques.  Implementing a range of commonsense, caring approaches to tackling the causes of stress, everyone can benefit for the overall good not only of individual people but our work and learning environments too making the whole of society around us, a happier, safer and more prosperous place to be.