Stressful thoughts signal the release of cortisol in our bodies. If unchecked, the impact on our emotional "tanks" can be pretty serious. How can we learn to reframe those thoughts that induce stress into healthier thought patterns that curb or lessen the release of cortisol? Here’s an example: A student in my online Spanish university-level class emails me complaining about the class, an “unfair” grade, the rigorous nature of the class, due dates, excuses for not completing the work, the online language laboratory we use, or his or her experience with technical support on a given issue. Often the issues are resolved quickly and easily. However, sometimes students are disrespectful; they do not use proper “netiquette” within the email; they appear ill-mannered and react in impulsive ways. They blame me for their frustrations as I am, after all, the frontline target. I’ve noticed that I log into my college email accounts with dread and anxiety. My breathing becomes shallower and my shoulders tense up. I’m like, “Okay.” Sigh. “What will I find here today?” I’m gearing up for obstacles and resistance. My adrenalin levels increase. I try to encourage myself that I’m putting out fires, but still I’m not exactly enjoying the experience. Too often, there is a cost in emotional energy, and I need my emotional energy tank to be full, not depleted as a result of answering emails! After prayer and greater consideration, I isolated 5 tips to help me foster new coping mechanisms when dealing with complaints and negativity. 5 STEPS TO HANDLING COMPLAINTS & NEGATIVITY WITH GRACE
What are emotions? What causes them? What foods affect our thinking, emotions, and moods?
These are a few of the questions I address on this episode of the Choose 2 Think Podcast. If you listen til the end, you’ll hear a few of the participants share their takeaways from this information packed session*. Kelly mentions... Do you have lots of TO-DO THOUGHTS rumbling away in your brain?
If so, it might just be that time to DECLUTTER YOUR MIND through an exercise that takes all of 5 minutes! Grab a huge blank piece of paper and make columns or use your notebook/journal, and write these TITLES at the top of 3 pages:
Set your timer for 5 mins. and then write away! But wait! What happens afterward? A belief is made up of THOUGHTS.
When you think a thought repeatedly, your brain chemically stores that thought in your long-term memory. Most of our thoughts (some scientists say about 80% of them) are negative. Negative thoughts lay the foundation for negative beliefs. Repeating negative thoughts provide the scaffolding for erecting stronger, more resilient negative beliefs. And before we know it, we've built a negative habit of mind. Okay. So what? In today's Choose 2 Think Podcast episode, you'll hear snippets from the Fired Up Mind Challenge Session 2 "Detox" recorded live.
This session dealt with detoxing both the mind and brain and features guest speaker Adam Reid from LOVE IS REAL WELLNESS. Adam shared his personal testimony on the podcast just a few weeks ago in episode 055 When Shame Grips Your Heart and Mind. You may also hear the voices of .... |
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