Written By: Dr. Jaime G Raygoza
Navigating Stress Management and Wellness
In this week’s episode of Finding the Unicorn in You, Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza interviews Eileen Murphy, a certified stress management and health wellness coach. Eileen's journey from an 18-year career in human resources to wellness coaching was sparked by her own experiences with severe stress-related health issues. Now, she focuses on helping individuals manage stress more effectively through personalized coaching.
Transitioning to Wellness Coaching
Eileen's transition from HR to wellness coaching highlights the importance of personal experience in guiding others. After facing her own health challenges, she discovered a passion for working one-on-one with individuals, allowing her to provide tailored support rather than managing stress at an organizational level.
Key Principles of Stress Management
Foundational Concepts
Eileen emphasizes that while stress cannot be completely eliminated, it can be managed better. She introduces the idea of a "stress brand," which refers to the unique ways in which stress manifests for each person. This concept serves as a reminder that even helping professionals may struggle with their own stress management and that awareness of personal stress indicators is crucial.
Cultural and Personal Dimensions
The conversation delves into how cultural and generational differences influence approaches to stress management. Eileen discusses the balance between "being" versus "doing," particularly relevant for immigrant and first-generation families. She underscores the importance of self-grace and accepting imperfection, as well as recognizing the cascading effects of unmanaged stress within organizations.
Practical Approaches to Managing Stress
Eileen shares several practical strategies for managing stress effectively:
Small Commitments: Starting with manageable self-care practices, even just 5-10 minutes a day, can lead to significant improvements over time.
Aim for 80% Success: Instead of striving for perfection, focusing on achieving 80% success allows for more flexibility and reduces pressure.
Setting Boundaries: Learning to say "no" is essential in managing stress and maintaining well-being.
Visualization Techniques: These can help individuals separate their own stress from that of others.
Managing Setbacks
Using the metaphor of climbing Mount Everest, Eileen explains that sometimes retreating to base camp is necessary for recovery. Dr. Raygoza shares insights from her marathon training experience, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to step back to prevent burnout. Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures is crucial, as is celebrating small wins along the way.
Unicorn Lesson
Eileen introduces her "unicorn lesson," inspired by the concept of the "wise old woman." She encourages listeners to visualize their future selves at 80-90 years old and use this perspective to guide their current decisions and handle stress more effectively.
Conclusion
The conversation with Eileen Murphy emphasizes a holistic approach to stress management, starting with small steps that allow for the natural development of healthier habits over time. These practices become self-reinforcing as individuals begin to crave the positive effects they bring.
To connect with Eileen and learn more about stress management, visit her website at https://www.blackbirdlifecoaching.com/ or find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenerinmurphy/.
Find the full episode of the Finding the Unicorn in You Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
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