At StressBustingExpert™, we believe in the value of using visuals to illustrate an important point or idea where possible.
This is partly because of how inaccessible we find many sources of information on the subject of stress, which complicates what is otherwise a very natural and common phenomenon stretching back thousands of years.
But also because it is scientifically reported that using even simple visuals to illustrate a point can incredibly make it up to 4 times more likely that a person will understand it than using words alone, and better stimulate the imagination to process then retain or utilise the information!
Here, for example, is an simple visual example of a rule we determine to follow when stressed out by something.
In essence, it shows 4 directions of possible travel for a person in the event of anxiety for any reason as follows:-
● doing nothing - this really isn't an option as it doesn't resolve anything or make a person feel any better
● upwards - this involves smiling and being involved in productive activities even if we do not necessarily feel like doing so
● moving ahead - this involves talking about what is bothering us with each other, family or friends, thus "getting the issue out" : this could be done alone with a mirror with equal effect if nobody is available to talk to
● moving downwards - this involves us letting the anxiety get us down in the dumps.
We accept that if the anxiety is allowed to turn us in a downward direction, it is getting the better of us, which is not acceptable; after all "only dead salmon swim downstream".
So that leaves us with the option of moving upwards or forwards.
And both of these directions can help us manage and cope with the stressful situation to hand effectively until it runs its natural course and passes over.
This important understanding - that stress of any type is ultimately cyclical (or put another way, seasonal) and will pass with the passage of time helps us deal with most stressful events successfully.
So sometimes it is not necessary or possible to "resolve" the issue causing the stress, but rather to just "weather the storm" which will eventually subside.
The use of visuals in the way explained by this post may be of use to users in supporting others through stressful situations alongside our posts entitled "Modes of Questioning to Stressbust™ for Loved Ones" and "Learn to read body language to reduce anxiety & prosper".
#TALK IT OUT LOVE
MikeyM™&LouLoU™ 😊😍💛💕 xxxx