Stress is an inevitable part of life, a companion we often wish would stay far away. A long day at work, shift changes, being away from loved ones, life admin piling up. We've all been there.
But what if, instead of seeing stress as an adversary, we viewed it as a challenge waiting to be conquered? To conquer something, we first must understand it.
So, what is stress?
Stress is the body's natural response to external pressures or demands. It's a physiological and psychological reaction that prepares us to face a challenge. While stress can be helpful in certain situations, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our wellbeing.
Stress can stem from many areas of our lives, including work-related pressures, personal relationships, financial concerns, or even daily hassles. How you think about the challenges you are facing has a large role to play in how stressed we feel. Stress is not a mental health condition, however recent studies, link chronic stress to health issues, including cardiovascular problems and mental health disorders.
Now that we have laid the groundwork for understanding stress, it’s important for us to highlight you can do things to actively manage and reduce related health risks. Let's delve into practical strategies to conquer it.
Keeping stress in check
1. Deep Breathing and Mindfulness: One of the most effective ways to combat stress is through relaxation and mindfulness exercises. Taking slow, deep breaths can activate the body's relaxation response, calming the nervous system. Mindfulness techniques can help bring focus to the present moment, reducing anxiety about the past or future. There are plenty of apps and online resources freely available to get you started.
2. Move Regularly: Physical activity and movement is a powerful stress buster. Exercise releases feel good endorphins. Whether it's a brisk walk, a jog, or a full workout routine, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can significantly contribute to stress reduction.
3. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Learning to say no and setting realistic boundaries is crucial for managing stress. It's essential to prioritise and allocate time and energy wisely, ensuring that you maintain a healthy balance in all aspects of your life.
4. Get into Green Spaces: Step into the embrace of nature. Many studies have shown that spending time in green spaces, whether it's a park, garden, or woodland, can significantly reduce cortisol levels – the stress hormone. So, take a leisurely stroll or find a quiet spot
to absorb nature.
5. Prioritise Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. Do your best to consider your needs. Try to get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Investing time in self-care enhances resilience, making it easier to navigate stressful situations.
6. Connect with Others: Social support is a potent stress buffer. Share your feelings with trusted friends or family members. Talking about your stressors can provide a fresh perspective and emotional relief.
7. Flip your script: Cultivate a positive outlook on life and be curious about your thinking habits. While it's natural to encounter challenges, focusing on solutions rather than problems can shift your perspective. Practice gratitude and work to try to change your perspective where possible to help you think about challenges from a different perspective.
8. Seek professional assistance: Seeking help from a mental health professional can be a valuable resource when dealing with stress. Individual support can help you supercharge your stress busting strategies and tailor strategies to your specific situation. Stress doesn't have to be an insurmountable obstacle. By understanding its nature and implementing effective strategies, we can transform our relationship with stress. Incorporating these top tips for managing stress can help you lead a healthier, more balanced life. So, the next time you feel stressed, remember, you have the tools to conquer it.
Visit www.afap.org.au for a complete list of AFAP Welfare representatives and links to welfare services.
New Welfare Director appointed
Following the AFAP's Annual Convention 2023, Captain Darren Gray has been appointed as the AFAP's new Welfare Director.
The Welfare Director is responsible for representing the Federation on matters affecting the welfare of pilot members.
This includes the establishment and training of a network of welfare representatives from each AFAP council and, as the need arises, Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) peer mentors. He also carries overall responsibility for the Member Assistance Program.
Working in the pilot welfare sector for over a decade with both the AFAP and Virgin Australia, Captain Gray has also served as a trustee of the loss-of-licence AAP Mutual Benefit Fund.
Currently a B737 captain at Virgin Australia, Captain Gray has also served as a AFAP Virgin Pilot Federation representative from its inception until 2020. Darren’s previous roles include B777 Captain, E190 Captain, flying business jets, night freight, instructing and flying in PNG