We often blame life's events for our stress – the overflowing email in-box, the mortgage rates, the in-laws’ visit. But here's the surprising truth: events themselves aren't inherently stressful. It's the pressure they put on us that triggers the fight-or-flight response we call stress.

Imagine a busy road junction. The traffic itself isn't stressful, but the pressure to navigate it quickly and safely can be. Likewise, a presentation isn't inherently stressful, but the pressure to perform flawlessly might be.

Stress is a symptom, not a cause. It's our body and mind's reaction to feeling overwhelmed or out of control. The key is to manage the pressure before it boils over into stress.

Here's some tips from one of our expert associates, Psychotherapist Hannah Jackson on how to shift your focus.

Identify Pressure Points: Ask yourself, "What specific aspects of this situation are making me feel pressured?" Is it a tight deadline, unclear expectations, or a lack of resources?
Address the Root Cause: Can you negotiate a deadline, seek clarification, or delegate tasks? By tackling the pressure directly, you can prevent the stress response from even starting.
Develop Coping Mechanisms: For unavoidable pressures, equip yourself with healthy tools like relaxation techniques, time management skills, or simply saying "no" more often.

Remember, a calm and focused mind is far better equipped to handle life's pressures. So next time you feel the heat rising, don't just sweat the small stuff – identify the pressure points and address them before they turn into a full-blown stress meltdown.

Want more tips on preventing and managing stress? Get in touch today and book one of our stress management programmes.