Stress - Part 2 – How we respond to stress.
This week we will look at the types of stress and the phases of how we react. Small amounts of stress where we go to the alarm phase and are able to calm down, can help us build resilience to stress. However, when the stress becomes frequent or chronic, we go into the exhaustion phase and prolonged high adrenaline and cortisol levels can negatively affect our mental and physical health
Can Exercise Reduce Your Stress?
Recently, there has been an increasing amount of research suggesting that exercise-related intervention can improve mental health and reduce stress and burnout. In particular, exercises which combines strength and aerobics training and are more strenuous appear to improve the cognitive benefits. Exercise has been proposed to reduce stress through both psychological and biological mechanisms. So, in these stressful times why not get out there and do some exercise.
Sharpen the Saw - Mental Dimension
This week we are going to look at the Mental Dimension for Covey’s “Sharpen the Saw”. But the mental dimension isn’t just formal education. It is about how we learn after school. One of the best ways is to read books (or if you are slow reader, listen to audiobooks). Other ways to learn are through uni. Additionally, you could start taking classes in things you are interested in.
Sharpen the Saw
This week we are going to look at one of our favourite Habits…Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. It is the process of enhancing and preserving your greatest asset...YOU! Covey describes 4 dimensions of renewal:Physical, Social/Emotional, Spiritual and Mental. This week we will look at the physical dimension. This involves caring for your body by exercising, eating the right foods getting enough rest.
Spread the Happiness: Look up and Smile
We humans need social connections. Researchers propose that we are vigilant to even the most subtle cues of inclusion or exclusion. As we walk around through the day, our brains, using our mirror neurons, are constantly processing the feelings of people that pass by us. So when we see someone smile at us, mirror neurons simulate our own smiling. Additionally, when we smile, our brain makes neurochemicals that actually make us happy. Thus, when we see someone smile, we mentally simulate that smile or smile back and we feel happier.