Wednesday 22 May 2013

How To Study Effectively: No More Stress

By Lachlan Haynes


Stress Is Everywhere

Everyone experiences stress. Stress can be both good and bad depending on the level of stress experienced and the result it creates. When it creates focus and action it can be a good thing. But when it creates anxiety, tension and a feeling of being "overloaded" it is obviously a bad outcome.

However, the way in which each individual reacts to the stress they feel can be very different. Let's face it, we can all be impatient, get frustrated or cause needless conflict with others based purely on how stressed we are feeling.

High levels of stress can really obscure our judgement and result in us behaving in ways that we would not otherwise behave. Behaviors such as anger, aggression, frustration and edginess all result from high stress levels. This change in behavior almost always impacts on the people around us - whether that is school mates, other friends or family members. However it can also impact total strangers if we are stressed enough.

When stressed behavior becomes a regular action, it quickly turns itself into a habit. That's right - stress can become a habit. A habit that's hard to break and a habit that has no redeeming features if left to rule our lives.

The bad news is that habits can't be eliminated; but the good news is that habits can be replaced. If you are serious about removing stress from your life you need to get serious about replacing this destructive habit.

The Problem: I'm Being A Negative Nelly

Constant negative self-talk can really hinder our ability to live a happy and fulfilling life. Why? Well those who engage in negative self-talk tend to believe the series of negative things that they tell themselves - negative things which are often way off the mark and sometimes downright disturbing.

Among other things, negative self-talkers tend to believe that others are out to get them in one way or another (even though they clearly are not), see positive events in a negative light (which also brings others down and means they don't strive for positive outcomes because they think positive outcomes are actually negative outcomes!) and they also believe that their life is "full of stress" which they can't "handle" (even though the stress is actually just created in their own head).

This perception may not seem like a big deal but it can actually be very destructive - both for the individual and for those around them. Particularly so given that those with negative outlooks tend to group together (usually because those with positive outlooks can't stand being in the presence of those with negative outlooks) and continue to wallow in each other's negatively skewed view of the world.

The Solution: Positive Self-Talk

The remedy to negative self-dialogue is simple: positive self-dialogue. The hard part is executing it consistently enough that it becomes your new habit. Having just learned about the dangers of negative self-dialogue the benefits of positive self-dialogue should be clear. A regular state of optimism and positivism creates an amazing new outlook on life. Once again, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy - only this time it is a powerful positive force behind you. By having a feeling that "everything is fantastic" and "everything that happens to me is wonderful" is results in a totally different perception of life - and a totally different future for you.

Regardless of what your perception is telling you right now (that this is a lame idea of that it's a great idea) the reality is that a positive attitude leads to less stress - even though the situation itself has not changed at all. Regular positive and uplifting self-dialogue such as "I will succeed", "I will overcome this challenge", "I will prevail" or "My life always turns out for the best" will serve you in good times and bad. By making these positive thoughts your regular and consistent reaction to any challenge, your life will be better. No doubt about it. Don't believe me? Try it the next time you fail, or the next time you get criticized, or the next time you feel stressed out. They try it every day for a week, then every week for a month. I promise you that you will be amazed at what your new positive perception can accomplish.

If you don't know why you're stressed out you wont be able to understand how to resolve it. It's easy to blame external forces like school, or your teachers, or your parents - but often it really comes down to how you internalize the stress and allow it to take hold of you. Only be examining what is really stressing you out will you be able take charge of the situation. To read the full article and find out more please follow the links below. Good luck!




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