Keep calm and click refresh

Anuja Venkataraman

Whenever I get worked up or overwhelmed about something – deadlines to meet, an unruly child, or a disgruntled parent – I have learnt, over time, to remind myself of certain things. These things are so simple that writing about them seems trite, as one is sure that everybody already knows about them. Still, sometimes they seem to elude us right at the time we need them the most, and so it feels worthwhile to repeat them, as much for others, as for myself.

Stress is a signal that the various expectations put on you are beginning to overwhelm you. When you sense you are reaching this point it helps to give yourself the gift of silence, which I attain through mindfulness, walking, or doing something that helps to go beyond the onslaught of thoughts. Followed by looking inwards at the content of the thoughts. I find that giving myself time to reflect, to let all my worries pour out on a journal helps me to zero in on what is exactly bothering me and why. Once I face myself with honesty, I am able to think of the ways in which I can deal with the expectations. Which tasks are the most important, what I should prioritize, with whom I need to have a pending important conversation, what better preparation I need to face a recurring challenge. What can I change and what should I finally learn to accept? I find that many answers lie waiting inside if one takes the time to find them.

The solutions can then be elaborated upon and followed by actions. I usually find that by the time I reach the point of action, I am more sorted, connected with my feelings and sense of purpose, and cognizant of what has been blocking me.

Feeling stressed reminds me of the need to maintain a balance of silence and thoughts and not lose myself in the flow of responsibilities. If I follow a cycle of mindful work, which includes planning, action, reflection, and silence, I see that I am able to maintain a calm hold on both my inner and outer life.

I find that cultivating hobbies or interests that are different from one’s professional work also helps to keep calm and stay inspired. According to Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering whose online courses on learning are one of the most popular MOOCs in the world, learning happens best when the mind switches between focused and diffused mode of thinking. While the focused mode is associated with the abilities of concentration like a beam of flashlight, the diffused mode happens when you relax and allow your mind to wander. I find this idea very useful and inspirational. Indulging in hobbies that allow me to relax helps keep my mind fresh and ready to function. It also helps me appreciate how important it is to encourage children to do the same.

While I realize that every individual has to find what works best for them, there probably are certain principles that can work for everyone. Keeping calm and clicking refresh – finding ways to remain enthusiastic, motivated, inspired, and reminding oneself of the joy and meaning of one’s work and the people we work for and with is one of them.

Reference

Oakley, B. (2014). A mind for numbers: How to excel at Math and Science (Even if you flunked Algebra). New York: Penguin Group.

Anuja Venkatraman has been associated with the Interest group of dialogue, fraternity, and justice in Azim Premji University after completing her M.A. in Education. Prior to that she has worked as a facilitator in alternative schools in Bengaluru and is currently researching in the area of conflict resolution education for schools. She can be reached at anuja.venkataraman@apu.edu.in.