Day 2 - Create Mental Safety in Your Zone of Control

Welcome to A Slice of Life - the Anxiety Master podcast. 

This episode is part 2/7 of a FREE seven-day course to help you:

Reduce Stress for Calm and Confidence. 

Today's Focus: Navigating Stress for Calm and Safety

There's a clear distinction between people who become easily stressed and those who stay calm and composed in the face of life's storms. 

The difference: Do you swim in your lane of control or drown in a sea of concerns?

Each zone represents a different aspect of our interaction with stressful situations and how we manage our concerns. 

Understanding the Three Zones:

1. Control Zone: These are elements within your direct influence. Here, you can make decisions and take actions that have a tangible impact.
2. Influence Zone: This zone encompasses aspects you can steer but cannot fully control. Your input here can shape outcomes, although it's not the sole determining factor.
3. Concern Zone: Often the most challenging, including the 'what-ifs' and uncertainties fuel stress. While you can't directly change these factors, how you respond to them matters greatly.

How to Move Beyond a Fixation on Concerns - the what ifs?

Staying overly focused on the Concern Zone increases stress. Yet, ignoring your concerns is also not a viable solution. Instead, you want to acknowledge your concerns with a clear, balanced perspective.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

• What elements of the situation do I need to accept?
• Whom or what do I need to trust?
• How will I choose tp proceed if my concerns do materialise?

Invitation:

• Reflect and Redirect: Take a moment to reflect on a current stressor. Identify which zone each aspect falls into. Aim to redirect your focus and energy towards what falls within your Control and Influence Zones.
• Journaling Exercise: Write down your thoughts about each zone. This exercise can help clarify your thoughts and provide a roadmap for action.

Why This Matters:

By consciously shifting our focus from the Concern Zone to the Control and Influence Zones, we position ourselves to take constructive action.

This shift reduces stress and enhances our sense of agency and efficacy in dealing with life's challenges.

Next Steps:

• Practice This Framework: As you encounter daily stressors, pause and categorise them into these zones. Notice how this categorisation influences your response.
• Join The Community: Sign up for the complete program HERE.

You’ll gain access to additional resources, community support, and personalised advice.

Stay Engaged: Remember, managing stress is an ongoing process. You can reach out to me when needed. Your journey to mastering stress management is well underway.