Brilliant Stress Management

E

xternal change is beyond our control, so it is no surprise

that we find it stressful. Our ancient ancestors had to deal

with quickly changing and often life-threatening situa-

tions, like the appearance of a large, hungry predator. However,

once they had evaded capture, their sympathetic nervous

system could calm down and the stress hormones dissipate.

Now we find ourselves living with constant change and the

uncertainty it produces. We need to find ways that, if we cannot

control the change, we can still feel ‘in control’ of ourselves and

our futures.

This chapter explains how change happens and how we

respond to it, before looking at techniques you can use to cope

in times of change. It ends with a way by which you can focus

yourself on what ...