One key skill to letting stress go, according to CBT experts
Stress is a common experience for many people, especially those living in busy and crowded cities like London. Onebright’s London CBT experts share some mindfulness techniques for bringing awareness to thoughts in triggering situations at work, home and around others.
With thousands of lives bumping up against each other every day (on the tube, in the streets and in work environments), occasionally, some interactions erupt between two individuals who are experiencing a great deal of stress in their personal life. Onebright shares one very important skill for managing thoughts and emotions that come with stressful situations and how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy teaches this skill.
Why does stress feel unmanageable sometimes?
Stress is a common experience that can sometimes boil to the surface due to various factors. For example, chronic stress from ongoing life circumstances or situations can accumulate over time and lead to feelings of overwhelm. Additionally, when individuals have not developed healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, it can build up and eventually become unmanageable.
Other times, stress may boil to the surface due to a specific trigger or event, such as a deadline at work or an unexpected conflict in a personal relationship. In these cases, the body’s natural stress response, which involves the release of stress hormones like cortisol, can be triggered and lead to a heightened emotional response.
CBT experts will explain that an unbalanced lifestyle or lack of self-care can also add to stress levels. Neglecting these factors disrupts the body’s equilibrium, making it more vulnerable to the effects of stressors. When self-care is lacking, emotional resilience diminishes, and stress can accumulate unchecked.
How can I let go of stress?
Psychotherapists use several techniques to help individuals bring a non-judgemental awareness to thoughts and feelings that cause stress, and one widely recommended approach to do this is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve mental health and well-being. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected and that we can improve the other two by bringing mindfulness to our thoughts.
People prefer CBT over other psychotherapies or counselling because it’s a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that teaches practical skills to help individuals manage stress and anxiety independently.
One essential skill that CBT London therapists recommend to their clients is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a technique that involves bringing attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and develop greater control over them.
One of the primary ways that mindfulness reduces stress is by helping individuals notice the negative thought patterns that can contribute to stress or anxiety. For example, mindfulness can help individuals recognise when they engage in negative self-talk or catastrophic thinking. By becoming aware of these thought patterns, individuals can learn to challenge, change or choose not to engage with them, helping them to live more in the present.
What does the research say about mindfulness?
Studies have shown that mindfulness can be an effective tool for managing stress and anxiety. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, individuals who practised mindfulness showed a significant reduction in stress levels compared to a control group.
What does a CBT therapist teach you in a session?
In addition to mindfulness, CBT London therapists also teach clients other skills to manage stress and anxiety, noticing negative thought patterns, problem-solving, and relaxation techniques.
Cognitive restructuring involves noticing negative thought patterns, while problem-solving teaches individuals to approach stressors more proactively and effectively.
CBT differs from many other psychotherapies because it’s highly structured
CBT is a practical approach to managing stress and anxiety, and mindfulness is a crucial skill our CBT experts can develop in their clients. You can practise mindfulness regularly with a trained mental health professional by booking a session with a therapist near you.
Additionally, employers can implement CBT-based stress management programs to help employees develop the skills and techniques needed to manage work-related stress effectively. With its proven effectiveness in treating stress and anxiety, CBT is an essential tool for anyone looking to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Fill out the form below to find out more.
