Need a Stress Reset?: A Guide to Bouncing Back After Stressful Times.

Life can often throw unexpected challenges our way, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained. Whether it's due to work pressure or personal setbacks, navigating through stressful times can take a toll on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. However, it's important to remember that resilience is a remarkable human quality, and we have the ability to create intentional wellbeing through small, consistent actions.

HERE ARE 6 STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU RESET AND REJUVENATE AFTER STRESSFUL PERIODS:

1. Acknowledge and Reflect:

The first step towards resetting after a stressful time is to acknowledge your emotions and reflect on the experience. Give yourself permission to feel and process the stress you have been through. This could involve journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or simply taking quiet moments to be alone with your thoughts. Reflecting on what you have learned from the experience can help you gain insights and wisdom, enabling personal growth and resilience.

2. Self-Care and Rest:

During stressful periods, self-care often takes a back seat. However, it's crucial to prioritise your wellbeing to reset effectively. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be anything from taking walks in nature, practicing mindfulness or meditation, indulging in a favourite hobby, or enjoying a warm bath. Creating a restoration toolkit is one of 5 Simple Strategies for Optimal Wellbeing that you can read about here.

3. Sleep:

Prioritise quality sleep, as restorative rest plays a significant role in rejuvenating your mind and body. In fact, the power of sleep cannot be downplayed. Scientists have found that losing just 90 minutes of sleep reduces your daytime alertness by one third. If you struggle to get the sleep you need, try to create a bedtime routine that can ease you into sleep by creating a restful zone - things like herbal tea, calming music, restorative yoga or some light reading. Turn your devices off at least 30 minutes before bed so your sleep cycle doesn’t get impacted by the device’s blue light.  It also helps to maintain consistent times of waking up and going to bed every day of the week to bring those circadian cycles into rhythm.

4. Establish Healthy Routines:

Resetting after stressful times involves creating new, positive habits that contribute to your wellbeing. Establishing healthy routines can provide structure and stability in your life, reducing anxiety and enhancing your overall sense of control. Start with small, manageable goals such as setting a regular sleep schedule, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, or planning nourishing meals. These routines will help restore a sense of normalcy and empower you to regain control over your life.

5. Connect with Loved Ones:

During challenging times, it's easy to isolate yourself, but social support is crucial for healing and resetting. Reach out to your friends, family, or support network and share your experiences. Engage in meaningful conversations, express your emotions, and lean on their support. Surrounding yourself with loved ones can provide a sense of belonging, understanding, and comfort, which are essential for rejuvenation.

6. Embrace Mindfulness and Gratitude:

Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can have transformative effects on your mental wellbeing. Mindfulness involves focusing your attention on the present moment, observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. It helps you develop self-awareness, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of calm. Additionally, expressing gratitude for the small things in life can shift your perspective and promote a positive mindset, enhancing your ability to reset and move forward.

TIPS FOR LEADERS: HELPING WOMEN BUILD RESILIENCE AND WELLBEING:

Open Communication: Create an open and inclusive communication culture. Women should feel comfortable discussing their needs, concerns, and aspirations, which can contribute to their overall sense of belonging and wellbeing.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognise that women often juggle multiple responsibilities. Offering flexible work arrangements can help them better manage their professional and personal lives, reducing stress and enhancing their overall wellbeing.

Women’s Leadership Development: Provide opportunities for holistic personal and professional growth through women’s leadership development programs such as the Women Rising program. Module 6 of our program deals specifically with creating intentional wellbeing, managing stress and building resilience.

About the author: Megan Dalla-Camina is an author, PhD researcher, Founder and CEO of the Women Rising Program and Male Allies Program. A globally recognised leadership expert, coach & mentor, she supports women and male allies to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose in complex modern workplaces.
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