Mental Health

Effective Ways to Reset From Toxic Stress

By Dynne C. | Update Date: Jan 09, 2024 01:24 AM EST

Prioritizing stress management ensures mental well-being, physical health, enhanced productivity and resilience, enabling individuals to navigate challenges and maintain a balanced, fulfilling life.

In her book "The 5 Resets," Harvard University physician and researcher Dr. Aditi Nerurkar offered a set of scientifically backed tools and strategies to aid individuals in recovering from chronic stress and enhancing long-term coping mechanisms.

Highlighting the necessity of rest and recovery for optimal brain and body function, Nerurkar emphasized that these are not mere luxuries but essential components for thriving health. Her book could act as a guiding roadmap for those battling stress and burnout, identified as chronic workplace stress, introducing methods to embed restorative practices into daily routines.

Here's an outline of the five resets outlined in Nerurkar's book.

Discover your core goals

Nerurkar stresses the importance of identifying personal goals and encouraging individuals to focus on what matters most to them. The acronym "MOST" serves as a guide -- setting motivating, objective, small, and timely goals.

Set digital boundaries

Addressing the pervasive impact of technology, Nerurkar advocates for limiting digital engagement, suggesting a maximum of 20 minutes per day for scrolling. She underscores the significance of starting and ending the day without immediate digital stimuli.

Cultivate mind-body connection

By exploring deep breathing exercises and emphasizing the value of daily movement, Nerurkar delves into the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, offering practical techniques to alleviate stress.

Implement monotasking and take breaks

Combatting the culture of constant multitasking, Nerurkar promotes monotasking -- a method involving short, focused bursts of work interspersed with breaks. She underscores the benefits of such an approach in preventing burnout and enhancing productivity.

Practice gratitude journaling

To counteract the amplification of negativity during stressful times, Nerurkar recommends a daily gratitude journaling practice. This simple act, acknowledging and recording moments of gratitude, aids in shifting focus away from negative experiences.

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