{"id":1315,"date":"2017-03-24T14:58:21","date_gmt":"2017-03-24T19:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mentalhealth-online.com\/mentalhealth\/?p=1315"},"modified":"2017-05-21T18:54:11","modified_gmt":"2017-05-21T23:54:11","slug":"beat-pressure-paradox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mentalhealth-online.com\/mentalhealth\/beat-pressure-paradox\/","title":{"rendered":"Pressure: 4 Keys to Beat the Pressure Paradox"},"content":{"rendered":"

As was stated in the last blog post, the Pressure<\/i> Paradox is\u00c2\u00a0 the experience in which the more important a deadline or goal is, the more pressure and stress it can put on you — and\/or you can put on yourself — to get it done.<\/p>\n

How to Beat the Pressure Paradox
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\"Relieve<\/a>Here are 4 keys to beating the Pressure Paradox:<\/p>\n

The first key<\/strong> is to allow yourself to relax even in the face of an important deadline or huge goal. Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind to use to get you started!\u00c2\u00a0 Then, take a few more deep breaths when you become overly distracted with self-criticism — slow down, let go of the pressure, and breathe.<\/p>\n

The second key<\/strong> is to guide your self-talk.\u00c2\u00a0 Tell yourself, affirmatively, that you’re doing fine.\u00c2\u00a0 Ignore the destructive voice in your head that chronicle a long, awful list of disastrous possible-outcomes.\u00c2\u00a0 Ignore the negative thoughts that, otherwise, cause you to worry.\u00c2\u00a0 These forces of anxiety and self-criticism are depleting your overall mental resources.\u00c2\u00a0 They, actually, constitute self-fulfilling prophecies that make you less likely to succeed.<\/p>\n

The third key<\/strong> to use when the heat is on is to distract yourself. Take 5 minutes and play a simple mental game. Count backwards from 100, or sing a song. Anything you can do to take yourself out of the mental loop of self-criticism and doubt is a good thing.\u00c2\u00a0 Try counting paperclips! It’s not the activity that matters, it’s getting into the proper mindset.<\/p>\n

Practice, Practice, Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n

The fourth key<\/strong> is to practice<\/strong><\/em>.\u00c2\u00a0 When it comes to beating the Pressure Paradox the most important thing that you can do is practice. The more often that breathe and stay relaxed while you work under pressure, the better you’ll perform.<\/p>\n

Your body and mind get used to working with tight deadlines or intimidating goals while you keep yourself optimally relaxed and well-oxygenated.\u00c2\u00a0 As a result, you find yourself performing better each time. So…<\/p>\n