How to Reframe Your Stress Story
Health Coach Sophie Piso offers a simple technique to help you reframe life’s stresses when times get tough.
The “reframing” technique is about reclaiming your thoughts when you are under emotional stress and rebranding them as something positive. Here’s what to do.
FIRST PAUSE
When you’re in a stressful situation, take a minute to pause. If your mind is racing, stop and bring yourself back to the present. Take notice of your thoughts and take a minute to process them.
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
Is this a situation I have faced and overcome before?
Do I have the tools to handle this stressful situation?
Is this situation dangerous and can I cope with it?
More often than not, you will find that although it’s a worrisome event, you’ve overcome something similar before.
NOW REBRAND IT
What words are you currently using to communicate your problem to yourself? They’re most probably negative, harsh words. Try rephrasing to more positive language.
Are you overwhelmed or are you being challenged?
Are you busy or are you being productive?
Are you stressed or excited?
WRITE IT DOWN
If your head is whirling, try writing down your thoughts. Journaling can be a highly effective technique for exploring your feelings, and finding potential solutions. The simple act of writing down your thoughts can make them easier to handle.
TALK IT THROUGH
If your mind is reeling, try discussing the stresses you are feeling with a friend or partner. Saying your problem out loud and talking through your coping mechanisms with a trusted confidant can help. Remember to try to use the positive language when you have these discussions.
KEY TAKE-AWAYS
Learn to acknowledge and process stressful situations
Check-in and see if you have tools to cope
Switch your vocabulary from negative to positive
Speak to a friend or journal
Sophie Piso, Health Coach
Sophie Piso is a National Board Certified Health Coach specialising in gut-health and stress management. She has worked extensively with weight management, and helping clients achieve their goals without sacrificing the things they love. In addition to working with private clients, she works for the US-based virtual healthcare platform ‘Galileo’ as a coach in their Depression/Anxiety, IBS, and CBT-i skills programs.