As we begin part two of this three part series, let’s remember we are learning how to manage the cause of stress. The first part of this article introduced the idea of using baby steps to overcome the cause of stress, and focused on creating list to identify stress triggers. Please remember that Bay Step 1 is understanding that learning to manage the cause of stress will take time. This is not an overnight process. However, it has the capability to be a successful process if you use it. With that said, let’s get started with Part 2!
How are your list going? In this article, we are going to focus on something else you can identify from your list: coping mechanisms. Coping mechanisms are generally defined as how you respond when you are under stress. These mechanisms come in many different forms and have a virtually endless list. That’s why Baby Step 3 is: Identify your Coping Mechanisms. From politely saying, “We’ll talk about it later”, to yelling “Leave me alone!”, a casual drink or excessiveness, burring yourself in work or taking the day off; coping mechanisms are performed behavioral reactions, or responses, brought about by stress.
These mechanisms could be utilized in many different ways. Problem-focused coping mechanisms focus more on an external problem, while emotion-focused mechanisms cope with feelings of distress which result from the problem. Avoidant coping aligns with ignoring or avoiding the problem, while active coping can be a conscious awareness of the problem and decisive attempts to deal with it. Attempts to cope either work, or they don’t. Some work for a while, and then cease to be effective. When coping mechanisms have a positive outcome, they are known as adaptive. Contrarily, if it does not, or when the mechanism no longer produces a positive result, it has then become maladaptive (goodtherapy.com).
While the adaptive or maladaptive categorical outcome of these depend on several things, it is important to know Baby Step 4: Understand your coping mechanisms. As you find your patterns and notice your reactions, ask yourself these questions about them: Are the reactions impulsive or spur-of-the-moment? Are they habitual? Do you notice these reactions being compulsive? Was that particular behavior a conscious or unconscious choice? Keep in mind, just because you are conscious about what you are doing, does not necessarily mean it was a conscious choice. The answers to these questions could show that you have effectively created a barrier which keeps you from actually dealing with the real stress issue. In such case, what you have done is create something that is unhealthy and potentially dangerous (psychologytoday.com).
We hope you enjoyed the second instalment of our three part series. The third and final part will push past ineffective coping mechanisms and deal with the cause of stress. However, the last part will first come out in our December issue of our newsletter. You can sign up by clicking here! Remember that we are here to give those facing stress and burnout a chance to Renew their connection with God, be Restored by Him, so they can Return to their calling. If you would like to nominate a person for a retreat, simply click here. And as always ~ To GOD be the Glory!