When we get stressed, we tend to make it worse. We get in our own way. We make ourselves feel smaller and less powerful, and the problem feels bigger and more overwhelming. Our minds get crowded with worries and anxieties. Everything becomes pressurized. The fear of pain, discomfort, judgment, punishment, or failure makes us tense up. We brace ourselves instead of embrace our situation.
Like a child tensing up before getting a shot in the arm from the nurse. The tension only makes it worse.
It’s not really the shot that’s the issue; the problem is our reaction and tightening up. The shot may be uncomfortable and cause some pain, but our reaction is what causes the stress. Our minds can’t think about anything else. We repeatedly focus on how bad it will be, so we tense up and try to resist it. Then it hurts more.
But what if we don’t tense up?
It will still be uncomfortable. But the pain won’t be as bad because the muscles are relaxed. It will make the process easier.
This is a lesson for us when dealing with stressful situations. The key is learning to stay relaxed and accept our circumstances. This posture of acceptance allows us to take action, create change, and grow.
