How Do We Deal With Stress

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We all experience stress at different times and for various reasons. My friend and co-host of The Painting Wellness Podcast, Katherine Garcia, a licensed professional counselor, and I had an enlightening conversation about this on a podcast episode recently. Many times, we feel stress manifesting in our physical bodies before we can fully articulate why it's happening. For me, as a holistic family chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ, I tend to experience stress as a tightening in my throat and chest or a churning sensation in my stomach.

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What's intriguing about these physical reactions is their link to our emotional states. Our bodies often react in ways that are aligned with our emotional struggles - for instance, a tightened throat can indicate a longing to be heard. Ultimately, recognizing this physical-emotional connection can help us confront the underlying issues contributing to our stress.

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What Are "I Statements" & Why They Matter

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Part of dealing with stress involves effective communication, specifically, the use of "I statements". When I encounter a concern, I've found it more productive to express how the issue affects me personally, rather than blaming someone else for my discomfort. This approach not only enables me to take responsibility for my feelings but also facilitates a more open and less defensive conversation.

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"I statements" provide a way to share our feelings without casting blame on others. When we express our feelings and how specific actions or events have affected us, it fosters understanding and empathy, instead of defensiveness.

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Owning Your Part & Knowing Your Perspective

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Admittedly, using "I statements" isn't always easy. It requires self-awareness and the willingness to own our part in any situation. We have to be honest with ourselves about our feelings and how we're participating in the dynamics that are causing us stress.

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In addition, it's essential to realize that our experiences are shaped by our individual perspectives. Understanding that our perspective is unique and may differ from someone else's can help pave the way for better communication and more effective stress management.

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The Importance Of Listening & Understanding

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In any conversation, especially stressful ones, truly listening to the other person can be a game-changer. Instead of merely waiting for our turn to speak or jumping to problem-solving mode, we should strive to genuinely hear the other person's point of view. This doesn't mean we have to fully comprehend their perspective, but rather, respect and acknowledge their experience.

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Becoming Defensive Due To Different Perspectives

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Defensiveness often arises when we find it hard to grasp someone else's perspective, not because we're not good enough to understand, but simply because we have different perspectives. If we can accept that we may not entirely comprehend someone else's viewpoint, but still acknowledge that their feelings are valid, we can diffuse defensiveness and create a safer space for open dialogue.

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At the end of the day, it's important to remember that it's okay to apologize for causing someone else pain, even if it wasn't intentional. An apology doesn't imply that we are bad or at fault—it simply demonstrates empathy and understanding.

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The Necessity of Hard Conversations

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Understanding and discussing our health issues can be a daunting task, often leading us down rabbit holes of concern and confusion. However, acknowledging these fears is a critical step towards cultivating an environment that encourages open and meaningful conversations. By simply being present and focused, we can avoid escalating the conversation into a whirlpool of distress and maintain its original intent.

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Strategies to Keep Conversations on Track

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In our interactions, it's easy for us to veer off course, especially during arguments. The goal is not to avoid these discussions, but to develop techniques to stay on track. Listening without planning a response is a vital skill that can aid us in this pursuit.

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If you're needing to have a tough conversation, it's worthwhile to set some guidelines before diving into the nitty-gritty. Set up the conversation when you're not in the throes of an argument or highly emotional state. We'll be discussing more of this in part two of our series, so stay tuned!

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The Role of Emotion in Difficult Conversations

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Hard conversations often stir up a variety of emotions. When emotions run high, we become susceptible to 'emotional flooding,' which may hinder our ability to communicate effectively. It's important to recognize this possibility and devise strategies to deal with it. When we're calm and collected, we should take the time to discuss conflict resolution, enabling us to communicate better during emotional highs.

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Understanding the Effects of Emotional Flooding

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The fight or flight response is a natural reaction our bodies have during stressful situations, flooding our bodies with hormones and chemicals. Even in safe spaces, this response can still occur, which may lead to confusion and hinder effective communication. This response is rooted in our personal perspectives and can only be mitigated as we become secure in our environment and heal from our past traumas.

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Recap: The Keys to Successful Hard Conversations

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Navigating difficult discussions is a skill that we can all cultivate. It begins by understanding that you don't have to fully comprehend the other person's perspective to engage in productive dialogue. The key lies in active listening, acknowledging feelings, and staying in the present moment.

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It's equally important to acknowledge the influence of past trauma and emotional flooding in these conversations. With time and consistency, it is possible to create safe spaces where these reactions diminish.

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Lastly, carving out time for conversation about conflict resolution and fair fighting techniques is crucial. Preparing for these discussions when emotions are neutral allows us to devise a plan and establish cues to manage overwhelming feelings better.

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In our forthcoming discussion, we will delve deeper into actionable steps to help manage these conversations effectively. As your dedicated holistic family chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ, I'm excited to share more insights with you on advocating for your health. Until then, take care and remember - it's okay to have hard conversations.

 

Thank you for joining, and see you next time!

 

 

As a family chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ, I take a holistic approach to health. That includes not only the physical but also the emotional and psychological well-being of my clients. Stress management, effective communication, and self-awareness are all key to our overall health. If you're seeking a gentle, specific, holistic chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can navigate the road to wellness.

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Recorded at Base Camp Health, located at 3303 S Lindsay Rd Suite 113 Gilbert, AZ 85297