According to a BCC news story, football managers can benefit from learning the art of stress management.

Brain research on football managers shows that a part of their brain, called reticular activating system, is almost permanently "on", which makes it almost impossible for them to relax. Some managers said they were always thinking about the games, even when they are not working. For example, one manager finds himself sitting in the movie theater, obsessing over what he should have done in the last game, instead of enjoying the movie.

This kind of prolonged stressed state can wreck havoc on one's physical and emotional health. When you are stressed (whether physically, mentally or emotionally), your body produces a rush of stress hormones to help you get ready for fight or flight response. You are more alert and energetic. However, when your body is chronically flooded with these powerful hormones, as these football managers do, your immune system will break down over time, making you prone to a slew of diseases. According to a recent study by Wellness, 40% of football managers have high blood pressure, 50% are at higher risk of diabetes, 60% have cholesterol so high they are at higher risk of heart disease.

High-stake job stress is to blame - long hours, few breaks, poor diet, media exposure, job insecurity, to name a few. But above all, it's pressure. Many managers said their mood and outlook are greatly affected by the outcome of the games. If their teams are winning, they feel healthy and strong. On the other hand, one manager said, "If you get a couple of defeats on the bounce, you're suddenly looking at the world from a very dark place."

What does this mean to you? Stressful events and conditions might be an inevitable part of your life. However, you do not need to be a victim of stress. Your attitude plays a very important part in how well you cope with stress. If you cannot minimize the source of your stress, you can try to change your attitude and perspective about the situation. Don't be too attached to the outcome. If you try your best, and be detached from the outcome, your mood and stress level won't be too affected, even if things don't go your way. Every adversity provides an opportunity to learn and grow. There might be blessings in disguise if you only look more closely.

Practice Intensive Self-Care every day. Take good care of your body, mind and spirit. Above all, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with loving kindness. Instead of trying to be perfect, remind yourself that you are only human, and forgive yourself for whatever you did or did not do.

As a recovering perfectionist, I know the anxiety, stress and emotional pain that come with trying (and failing) to be perfect. You really would beat yourself up, over and over, being convinced that there's something very wrong with you. No amount of achievements would make you feel good about yourself. Or you could easily get stuck in fears, hold yourself back and settle for less, because you are so afraid of making mistakes.

Stop taking yourself and everything so seriously. Lighten up. Hey, you are only human. You are certainly allowed to have bad hair days or goof up sometimes. :)

P.S. Don't forget to download your FREE Intensive Self-Care Kit at www.IntensiveSelfCare.com.

Labels: coaching, detachment, health, Intensive Self-Care, managing emotions, stress management