Hello, I’m Elliott Reid, an Osteopath and the founder of the Revitalize Clinic in Gravesend. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping over 10,000 individuals achieve mental wellness, physical fitness, and a pain-free lifestyle.
Today, I want to address a common issue many of us face: stress. Whether it comes from our work environments, personal relationships, or even just daily life, stress can weigh heavily on us. But there are effective strategies we can use to reclaim our peace of mind, particularly in the healthcare field.
The Burden of Stress in Healthcare
As an osteopath, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique pressures that healthcare professionals endure. We often act as a refuge for those who are feeling overwhelmed or unwell, taking on the stress and anxieties carried by our patients. This phenomenon is not exclusive to osteopathy; personal trainers, counsellors, and other healthcare workers experience similar challenges.
At times, the emotional weight can feel stifling. Our ability to perform optimally may diminish when we allow external stressors to infiltrate our minds. This leads me to ask: Are other people’s emotions getting to you? Are their issues making you feel stressed, unhappy, or deflated? If so, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage these feelings effectively.
The Power of Perspective
One of the most powerful tools we possess is our mind itself. It may sound cliché, but with a tiny bit of practice, we can cultivate a peace-inducing state through mindfulness and creative visualisation. Imagine the people or situations that tend to cause you stress. Picture them in your mind’s eye, but with a twist: what if they were a fraction of their size or a hundred miles away?
This cognitive shift doesn’t change the reality of the situation, but it does impact how we perceive it. By mentally minimising their presence or distancing ourselves, we can lessen their power over our mental states. This practice is not about ignoring or dismissing reality, but rather about reframing how we respond to it.
Mindfulness: A Key to Inner Peace
Mindfulness is the practice of staying present and fully engaging with the moment without judgement. It’s an effective strategy for mitigating stress. In my experience as an osteopath and as a founder of a clinic, I’ve seen the transformative effects of mindfulness not only on my patients but also on myself and my team.
How to Practise Mindfulness
- Breath Awareness: Start with a simple breathing exercise. Take a few moments to focus solely on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps ground you in the present moment.
- Body Scan: Perform a quick body scan by bringing your attention to each part of your body, from your head to your toes. Notice how each area feels, allowing tension to melt away as you breathe deeply.
- Thought Observation: When stressful thoughts arise, try to observe them without getting caught up in them. Visualise your thoughts as passing clouds; acknowledge their presence but let them drift away without attaching yourself to them.
- Gratitude Practice: Incorporate a gratitude exercise into your daily routine. Reflect upon and write down three things that you are grateful for each day. This practice shifts your focus away from stressors and fosters a positive mindset.
- Mindful Breaks: Set aside time during your day to take mindful breaks. Even just five minutes can reset your mind. Step outside, listen to the sounds around you, or engage your senses by noticing the colours and textures of your environment.
The Role of Distance
In the same vein as mindfulness, the concept of distance can be incredibly beneficial. Distance allows you to gain perspective on a situation or individual that might be causing you stress.
Some practical techniques (most that we wouldn’t use in the clinic) that you can use at home are below.
How to Create Emotional Distance
- Visualisation Techniques: As mentioned earlier, focus on visualising the stress-inducing person or situation. Picture them as smaller or further away. This isn’t about devaluing their feelings but rather about creating a mental space to better manage your response.
- Limit Interaction: If a particular person or situation consistently brings you stress, consider limiting your interactions with them when possible. Give yourself a break to recharge and regroup.
- Reassess Relationships: Evaluate the importance of your relationships. Sometimes it can be beneficial to step back and think about which relationships bring you joy and positivity and which may be weighing you down.
- Safe Space: Create a personal sanctuary at home or work where you can retreat and regroup. This space should be free from stressors, allowing you to regain your composure.
Integrating Strategies Into Daily Life
At the Revitalize Clinic, we aim to create a holistic environment where patients, personal trainers, and counsellors unite to support overall well-being. Incorporating distance and mindfulness into your life
How to Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Revitalize Clinic in Gravesend. You can contact us via phone, email, or simply book an appointment through our website. Here’s how you can connect with us:
- Phone: 01474 356 284
- Email: info@revitalizeclinic.co.uk
- Website: www.revitalizeclinic.co.uk