Applying what I learned about managing stress during the pandemic

The news broke that someone in my building tested positive for COVID-19, and they were asymptomatic. So many questions came rushing in, first of all, what does asymptomatic look like? How do I handle this as a business owner? What are the steps to take personally? WHERE do I find the answers??

So I cancel all my upcoming appointments, I get in touch with a COVID testing site and tested myself. Then what?

I wait...

The stress that overwhelmed me during this time was almost too much. If I didn't have any skills and tools to manage stress, I could easily see myself going down a rabbit hole of worry and anxiety as I watched my practice come to a screeching halt, AGAIN.

Luckily though, I've just completed a course on evaluating and managing stress. I'm sharing with you a little of what I've learned.

All of us have stress and most of us are trained to dismiss it or attribute our anxiety to something else.

But, when talking about mental stress- work, kids, significant other, finances, the commute to work, or recently the lack thereof. Learning social media, zoom, skype, etc. These things build up over time depending on our personality we may welcome these stressors or fight them tooth and nail. Whether it is under reaction or overload the key is to find the balance.

Here are some tips I learned to evaluate your stress. First, I want to share why it's important to evaluate our stress.

We are evolving human beings. Our lives are in constant change. For some, life in constant change is too much. For others, they thrive on it. For many, they fall somewhere in between. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, I can tell you that stress is 100% a mental game.

By doing these things you will automatically notice a drop in anxiety and blood pressure.

ASSESS - PLAN - IMPLEMENTATION - MAINTAIN - REPEAT

Come along and let me show you the 6-step process:

1. Set goals and priorities - priority- cancel all appointments, be calm when calling or texting your clients

2. Develop your relational skills – call, a COVID center and get the facts

3. Improve your outlook – Think positive and speak positively

4. Shape-up health-fitness – Make sure I take my vitamins and get rest while I wait.

5. Get organized – Look at my future schedule and see what that looks like, have numbers, name ready to re-book, or cancel further appointments.

6. Breathe – I personally meditate to calm myself-now to wait for the results.

One tip/insight I will give is to Evaluate- Observe is the first step toward growth and empowerment.

Oh, my test results came back “NEGATIVE.” What a relief.