Change is constant and inevitable. Things just don’t stay the same even though we think that we would like them to.  The US economy has us feeling as if we are treading on thin ice.  We are still not sure what tomorrow will bring even though things seem to be on the upswing.  

     Not being sure of what to expect, whether it be an ever-changing job with new patients or new challenges each day, can easily bring stress and confusion.  While most of us would be quick to say we want less stress and more certainty in our lives, what we really want is to react to stress less and not lose our cool no matter what life throws our way. 

     No matter how many good choices we make, we can’t control everything nor would we want to, but we can choose how we respond to the situations we encounter.  There are basic categories where we can group our responses. You may have one type of response at work, and another at home, or you may react differently depending on whom else is involved.  What is your typical response style in stressful situations?  

     The first and unfortunately all too common response to stressful events is to take the victim role. Things happen TO us and we have no control over these things. We feel helpless and generally complain and make ourselves miserable. By not taking steps to do anything, we react to life instead of participating or proactively creating much of our circumstances. This way of responding is certainly not the healthiest, and eventually, it will take its toll on our physical and mental health.

     The second type of response is to accept the situation, and to look for perspective in it.

     “It is what it is,” you might say, or, ask yourself if it will it matter in a year – or a week – or even in a day. You simply start where you are and look for the next step to move forward again.

     The third way to respond to stress is to take action to resolve or improve the situation. Just stating the problem from your perspective may be the 1^st step in lessening the stress. Even taking small action steps can be a powerful response, and one that many effective leaders utilize.

     The fourth way to respond is to walk away or avoid the situation. People responding in this manner make a conscious choice not to get involved in a situation that they don’t see as concerning them, or upon which they feel they can’t make an impact. For example, you may choose not to get involved in a dispute going on within their office if it doesn’t directly involve you.

     The fifth and final way that people generally respond to stress is to shift our experience of the situation. When we look at a situation differently, shifting our perspective, the experience itself changes for us.  Changing perceptions is probably the most challenging of the responses, because we tend to filter things through our own interpretations and assumptions about what’s happening. However, this method is possibly the most powerful of all. One way to shift your experience is to look at the experience from another’s perspective. If a co-worker seems preoccupied and forgets a task, think about what might be going on in their life outside work. Perhaps they have a sick child, or are having difficulties at home.

     It’s your life, and you can create it as you wish. How do you choose to respond to stress?  What tools might you use as your personal stress managers?   Might you be able to sometimes see stressful situations as exciting and full of opportunity?  See the personal practice tip in this issue to help get you started on your de-stressing journey!

     The best time to practice your new de-stressing techniques is right now as you begin the hectic holiday season. How can you approach things differently this year and not only keep your cool but experience the peace and joy throughout the year?

     We wish you and yours the very best during 2011 as you start the New Year.

     Thanks for your support and patronage in 2010 with the Shift Change Coaching Group!

Best regards,

Merrily Sable, RN, BSN and Betsy Smith, PhD

Please note:

The NC Nurses Association’s new vision for nurses, “Caring for others, Caring for each other and Caring for ourselves.”   Shift Change Coaching has taken part in creating and implementing this vision.   We teach you what caring is really about!  See the NCNA web site under Nurses transforming Nurses.

Hire the Shift Change Coaching Group to train you and your staff in the Six Keys to On Fire Leadership and the Six Keys to Nursing Success. Build the foundation to promote excellence in your leadership and that of your organization. Convenient teleclass (conference line calls) or in-person speaking or workshop formats are available. Schedule now as our 2011 is filling up fast!

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