Thriving in challenging times: therapeutic recommendations to reduce stress and anxiety
By Steffen Lindner
“As a counsellor and therapist, I understand the immense impact of stress and general anxiety on our local business owners and on their employees - and of course on most of us community members during these challenging times. However, it is important to remember that we have the power to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger than ever before.”
1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable priority. Engage in activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Dedicate time for relaxation, exercise, quality sleep, and nourishing your body with a balanced diet. Remember, self-care is essential for resilience.
2. Seek Professional Support: Reach out to an experienced and trusted counsellor or therapist who can provide guidance tailored to your needs. Professional support offers a safe space to explore your concerns, develop coping strategies, and gain valuable insights into managing stress and anxiety effectively.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Embrace mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress. Engage in meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness-based activities like Yoga or Tai Chi. Mindfulness enhances self-awareness, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of calm and clarity.
4. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Create designated time for rest, relaxation, and activities that bring you joy. By setting boundaries, you protect your well-being and prevent burnout, allowing for increased productivity and overall satisfaction.
5. Foster Supportive Connections: Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or colleagues. Seek out like-minded individuals or support groups where you can share experiences, gain insights, and offer mutual encouragement. Connecting with others creates a sense of belonging and provides emotional support.
6. Engage in Holistic Practices: Explore holistic approaches to stress reduction, such as engaging in regular exercise, walks or hiking in nature, practising mindfulness or meditation, maintaining a healthy diet, and participating in activities that bring you joy, like dance or creative expression through art or music. These practices nurture the mind, the body, and the spirit, promoting overall well-being.
7. Develop Effective Coping Strategies: Identify and develop coping strategies that resonate with you. This may include journaling, practising gratitude, engaging in hobbies, or seeking professional guidance. Effective coping mechanisms empower you to navigate challenges with persistency and adaptability.
8. Foster a Positive Work Environment: Businesses can support their employees by - encouraging open communication, - providing resources for stress management, and promoting work-life balance. Prioritizing employee well-being enhances productivity and fosters a supportive organizational culture.
9. Cultivate Resilience through Self-Reflection: Self-reflection brings insights into your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to stress. Regular self-reflection (but not in the form of “depressive rumination”) promotes self-awareness, empowering you to develop healthy coping strategies, adapt to change, and foster resilience in the face of challenges.
10. Practise Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognise that everyone experiences difficulties, and it is okay to seek professional therapeutic support. Treat yourself with kindness, patience, and understanding during challenging times.
By incorporating these recommendations, business owners, employees and individuals in general can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting well-being and resilience. Remember, seeking support and engaging in self-care are vital investments in your overall health and success. Together, let us thrive amidst adversity and embrace a brighter future.
About the writer: Steffen Lindner is from Germany. He studied Psychology, Education, Sociology and Philosophy with further training over two years in Psychotherapy. He worked in this field in Germany. He immigrated with his family to New Zealand in 2009 and since then has been a member of the Whitianga community. Nowadays, he works as a counsellor and therapist in private practice at 5 Coghill Street, Whitianga and is the founder and director of the “Embassy of Friendship”. Steffen is well known for his ability to establish trusted, safe, and healthy therapeutic relationships. He also works internationally and is a supervisor for business owners, mental health, and social workers. To get in contact, email to steffen@eof.nz or text or call Mob. 0220853121. For more information, refer www.eof.nz