The following quote has helped strengthen my compassion for people and is a reminder that we all manage stress in different ways. I came across it in early 2020 as stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19 started hitting around the globe.
“We’re in the same storm, but in different boats.” (source unknown)
It has reminded me to meet each person where they are and to listen closely to what people have experienced, knowing their experience may be quite different from my own. Through my work, I’ve heard a lot of stories about grief, transition, loss, fear, isolation, increased job demands. Most of the world has been through a time of chronic stress as well as a time of deep reflection and change. It has taken an enormous emotional toll and affected people’s mental health.
In the past year alone I have led over 100 virtual workshops, courses, and 1:1 coaching helping people work through the changes and uncertainties of the pandemic. My training and work with Mindful Stress Management has sharpened my ability to help others deal with mental health, burnout, anxiety. And it has helped me personally move through the pandemic.
Though stress is a natural part of life, we can change our relationship to stress. It is not going away. As long as we’re alive stress is a companion – helpful at times and overwhelming at times.
So how are you?
How have you moved through these past 15+ months? As we continue to adjust and move forward in new ways, what are you and your organization most concerned about?
Questions to Consider as You Move Forward
- How has the pandemic impacted your life and work?
- What is your go-to activity to help deal with stress?
- Name what you have learned during the pandemic that will stay with you.
- Consider what your biggest concern is now as we reconstruct our work, workplace, and relationship with work?
Listen to a Podcast Interview with Terre: Tips on Managing Stress
I had the pleasure to be a guest on the ReFocus podcast with Angela Stephens. You can listen and jump to what interests you.
Overview:
2:20: What is mindfulness?
5:50: Changing your relationship with stress
7:00: Acute vs chronic stress
11:30: Breathing tip to calm the nervous system
13:50: Mindful, heartful listening
18:15: Fab 5 – Practices for the brain and body
23:00: What Terre does to deal with her stress
28:00: Going back to the office
35:00: Working with both small and large businesses
38:00: Terre’s journey to founding Mindful Stress Management
44:10: A favorite song to remind us all that we are “Worthy”
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To learn more:
- Workshops and 1:1 Coaching for you and your Organization
- Schedule a free 20-minute Chat with Terre Passero, founder of Mindful Stress Management
- YouTube for guided mindfulness practices and talks about stress, the brain, and the body